Hostile environment U-turn

International students will be allowed to stay in the UK for two years after graduation to find a job, under new proposals announced by the Home Office.

The move reverses a decision made in 2012 by then-Home Secretary Theresa May that forced overseas students to leave four months after finishing a degree.

International students bring significant economic contributions to the UK economy and perhaps more importantly  directly to the local economy but since 2012 owing to the lack of a post-study work opportunities in the UK this meant that UK universities were at a  competitive disadvantage in attracting those students as compared to other countries, which afforded international students such a pathway into work following the completion of their studies.

The re-introduction of the Post Study Work migrant category for international students marks an important U-turn on one of the key provisions of the “hostile environment” policies introduced by the previous governments.

Perhaps next on the list may be the reintroduction of the Highly Skilled Migrant category? We shall wait and see.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49655719

If you have an inquiry on any immigration-related matters, please contact Hateem Ali directly on: 0207 82222 or [email protected]