UK sees 80% decline in student dependents following Visa crackdown

UK dependent visa: United Kingdom government has reported a significant decline in number of dependents accompanying overseas students following its stringent measures on student visas earlier this year.

According to an update released by Home Office on Tuesday, during period from January to March this year compared to same period in 2023, number of dependents has plummeted by nearly 80 per cent, with over 26,000 fewer student visa applications.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed satisfaction with figures, stating that changes me to visa system were producing results. " number of students bringing family members and dependents to UK was too high. This wasn't fair," he commented, noting that reduction in student dependents by 80 per cent is evidence of effectiveness of measures.

Implemented in January, new rules restrict most international students, except those on research courses, from bringing family members and prevent m from switching ir visa before completing ir studies. government aims to prevent misuse of student visas as a pathway to work in UK, part of a broer Home Office crackdown on institutions that prioritise immigration over education.

decline in number of international students, particularly from India, suggests a potential decrease in Indian students opting for UK universities. Home Secretary James Cleverly stressed necessity of taking action to dress unsustainable influx of students, which he believes burdens public services and suppresses wages.

government's review of post-study Gruate Route, expected to impose furr restrictions, is anticipated to deter more international students, particularly Indians, from pursuing education in UK.

Furrmore, recent measures restricting foreign care workers from bringing dependents aim to combat worker exploitation and abuse within social care sector. government's crackdown on migration is aligned with its priorities ahe of upcoming general election.

data released this week also indicates impact of general salary threshold increase for Skilled Worker visas, furr contributing to government's efforts to reduce migration.

(With PTI inputs.)