BREAKING: UK stops students from bringing family to UK

The government has declared that starting January 2024, the long-standing privilege of international students to bring dependents to the United Kingdom (UK) will be restricted to specific situations, primarily applicable to those enrolled in research-based postgraduate courses.

This development comes as part of a comprehensive package designed to curtail immigration, particularly seen as a means to curb the misuse of the visa system.

This policy package will rescind the possibility for international students to shift from student to work visas before the conclusion of their studies. This move is, according to government spokespeople, a measure to avert the improper exploitation of the visa arrangement. The package also intends to revise the financial support requirement for students and dependents and to suppress the unethical practices of education agents who exploit the immigration system under the guise of education services.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman announced this policy change following a surprising surge in the number of dependents accompanying international students. She indicated that these amendments were made in line with the government’s commitment to control net migration. During 2019, net migration in the UK was recorded at 226,000, prompting the Conservative government to pledge a reduction in these figures.

Despite the economic value of international education, Braverman insists that this should not compromise the government’s obligation to control immigration. She believes the new policy package deftly balances the need to reduce net migration while preserving the economic benefits that international students bring to the UK. Braverman is adamant about the urgency of these changes, anticipating a significant effect on net migration figures and a return to pre-pandemic levels in the mid-term.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan supported this stance, emphasizing the importance of attracting top students for not only the benefit of the universities but also the economy and the development of global relationships. However, she also expressed concern about the increasing number of family members that students bring along.

This policy comes at a time of mounting pressure on the government over escalating migration numbers, causing divisions in the cabinet. Official statistics expected later this week are predicted to indicate a considerable increase in net migration.

Recent weeks have seen Braverman experience criticism from within the cabinet for her hardline stance on immigration, particularly from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Education Secretary Keegan. They are advocating for more student and worker visas to stimulate economic growth and fill labour market vacancies. In addition to this, Braverman faces allegations of impropriety over a request for a private awareness course following a speeding violation, which critics suggest could constitute a violation of the ministerial code.

However, the final call on ministerial conduct rests with the prime minister. The House has been informed by Paymaster General Jeremy Quin that Prime Minister Sunak is apprised of these issues, and the implications for Braverman’s position will be appropriately considered.