Indian Student Group Launches 'Fair Visa, Fair Chance'
Campaign in the UK

Los Angeles/Apr 04, 2023
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

UK Home Secretary Tasks MAC with Reviewing Graduate Route Visa, Expects Report Next Month

UK's leading Indian student representative organization has launched the 'Fair Visa, Fair Chance' campaign in support of the popular post-study Graduate Route visa. This visa, which allows international graduates to gain work experience for two years after their degree, has garnered significant support from Indian students since its inception approximately three years ago.

The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, which originally advocated for this visa, expresses concerns that the ongoing review of the route might reverse the progress achieved so far. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has been tasked by UK Home Secretary James Cleverly to assess the Graduate Route visa's suitability and is expected to submit its report by next month.

Lord Karan Bilimoria, Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on International Students and patron of NISAU UK, emphasizes the importance of the post-graduation work opportunities provided by the Graduate Route. He highlights that the ability to work for two years post-graduation not only helps students financially but also strengthens their ties with the UK.

Bilimoria warns against the negative repercussions of curtailing the Graduate Route, stating that it could adversely affect the UK's competitiveness in attracting international students. He emphasizes the significant contribution international students make to the UK economy, which amounts to GBP 42 billion.

Since its relaunch for the 2020-21 cohort of international students, the Home Office reports that 213,250 visas have been granted under the route, with Indians comprising the largest group of beneficiaries, accounting for 43% of grants last year.

Sanam Arora, NISAU UK chair and Commissioner of the UK's International Higher Education Commission, expresses disappointment that the Graduate Route is once again under scrutiny. Arora stresses the importance of this visa for Indian students and the critical role it plays in the UK's international higher education system. She warns of the potential repercussions on university finances and research activities if the Graduate Route is revoked, emphasizing the heavy cross-subsidization of domestic students' education by international student fees.