Sunday, December 22, 2024

UK’s post-study work visa under scrutiny: Indian students rally to defend essential pathway

Dubbed as the ‘fair visa fair chance’ initiative, the campaign spearheaded by Nisau comes at a crucial juncture, coinciding with the impending release of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report in May 2024

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As the UK government commissions a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the graduate route for post-study work visas, the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (Nisau) has launched a spirited campaign to safeguard this vital pathway for international students, Times of India (TOI) reported.

Dubbed as the ‘fair visa fair chance’ initiative, the campaign spearheaded by Nisau comes at a crucial juncture, coinciding with the impending release of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report in May 2024. This comprehensive review aims to scrutinize the utilization of the graduate route, examining its integrity, and assessing its impact on the UK’s higher education landscape.

  • As part of their advocacy, Nisau plans to furnish the MAC with compelling evidence drawn from their extensive experience representing Indian students and alumni in the UK

  • Through collaborative efforts and strategic engagement, stakeholders aim to uphold the UK’s position as a beacon of academic excellence and opportunity on the world stage

TOI quoted Sanam Arora, the chair of Nisau, who emphasized the significance of the graduate visa, stressing its pivotal role in attracting and retaining talented individuals within the UK’s academic ecosystem.

“The graduate route is not only a lifeline for international students but also a cornerstone of the UK’s global higher education appeal,” Arora remarked during the campaign launch.

The post-study work visa, reinstated in 2019 following extensive advocacy efforts led by Nisau and the higher education sector, allows international students to remain in the UK for two years post-graduation without requiring sponsorship. This flexibility empowers graduates to seek employment opportunities or embark on entrepreneurial ventures, enriching both their personal and professional growth.

The report quoted Lord Karan Bilimoria, a prominent British Indian entrepreneur and advocate for international students. He underscored the economic and cultural dividends of retaining the two-year post-graduation work visa. Expressing concern over the potential ramifications of its removal, Lord Bilimoria cautioned against undermining the UK’s standing as a premier destination for global education.

As part of their advocacy, Nisau plans to furnish the MAC with compelling evidence drawn from their extensive experience representing Indian students and alumni in the UK. Through collaborative efforts and strategic engagement, stakeholders aim to uphold the UK’s position as a beacon of academic excellence and opportunity on the world stage.

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