In a crackdown announced by the United Kingdom’s Home Secretary, Suella Braverman ahead of anticipated record immigration statistics, Nigerians and other international students have been banned from coming into the country with family members except they are on PhD courses,
Under the current rules, only students enrolling for full-time, postgraduate courses spanning nine months or longer can come with family members to the UK. Those students can come with their partners and children under the age of 18 provided they have proof of having at least £680 per month to support each of their dependents.
While announcing the ban, Braverman said family members of foreign students will no longer be permitted to live in the UK.
She said: “The UK is a top destination for the brightest students to learn at some of the world’s best universities. But we have seen an unprecedented rise in the number of student dependents being brought into the country with visas.
“It is time for us to tighten up this route to ensure we can cut migration numbers and meet the government’s pledge to the British people to cut net migration.”
In his reaction, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Attracting the top students from around the world isn’t just good for our universities – it’s essential for our economy and building vital global relationships. But the number of family members being brought to the UK by students has risen significantly.
“It is right we are taking action to reduce this number while maintaining commitment to our International Education Strategy, which continues to enrich the UK’s education sector and make a significant contribution to the wider economy.”
Braverman said the UK would also remove the right for foreign students to switch out on to work visas during their studies, amid speculations that some people have been taking advantage of the system. Also, the Government will crack down on “unscrupulous education agents” selling “immigration not education” to international students.
The changes will be effected in January 2024, with the Home Office set to implement delivery plans in the coming months.
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