As restrictions on visa routes came into force on Monday (Jan 1), the United Kingdom has banned the “unreasonable practice” of overseas students bringing their families to the nation. The decision is set to affect thousands of Indian nationals who represent the largest international student group in the UK.
On Monday, announcing the move, British Home Secretary James Cleverly said the ban would cut migration by tens of thousands. “This government is delivering on its commitment to the British public to cut migration. We have set out a tough plan to rapidly bring numbers down, control our borders and prevent people from manipulating our immigration system, which will come into force throughout this year,” he said.
A major part of that plan comes into effect, ending the unreasonable practice of overseas students bringing their family members to the UK. This will see migration falling rapidly by the tens of thousands and contribute to our overall strategy to prevent 300,000 people from coming to the UK.”
In a post on X, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced, “From today, the majority of foreign university students cannot bring family members to the UK.”
“In 2024, we’re already delivering for the British people,” said the leader who next year will face general elections that may end or extend his stay at 10 Downing Street.
Another post by the UK Home Office stated, “We are fully committed to seeing a decisive cut in migration.” It was introduced in September 2022 by Britain’s former home secretary, Suella Braverman. A The restriction affects all foreign students, except those enrolling in postgraduate research courses and the ones with government-funded scholarships.
