UK minister flags visa 'abuse' as student asylum claims surge
Summary
In the UK, there is a focus on stopping visa misuse as more international students apply for asylum after their studies. New immigration proposals suggest extending the time immigrants must wait to settle permanently. This is part of broader efforts to control immigration, amidst trade relations with India.Key Facts
- UK's Indo-Pacific Minister, Seema Malhotra, addressed a rise in foreign students applying for asylum in the UK.
- Proposed immigration changes will extend the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to 10 years.
- Approximately 2.6 million people who arrived in the UK since 2021 will be affected by these changes.
- In the last year, 16,000 international students sought asylum in the UK.
- There have been 14,800 student asylum applications in the first half of the current year.
- India is a major source of international students for the UK, making up 25% of arrivals in 2023-2024.
- Tougher immigration rules have contributed to an 11% drop in Indian students going to the UK.
- A recently signed free trade agreement between the UK and India aims to boost economic relations and allows UK universities to set up campuses in India.
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