The Prime Minister of United Kingdom has announced a noteworthy decrease in the number of dependants in the country, which has seen an 80% reduction. This development, according to Sunak, is a direct result of the changes made to the country’s visa system, demonstrating their effectiveness.
In a statement shared on social media, Sunak highlighted the success of the measures taken to address the high number of students bringing family members and dependants to the UK, emphasizing the importance of fairness in the system.
Earlier in the year, the UK government had called for a significant reduction in the number of dependents, particularly close family members like spouses and children, accompanying international students. The Home Office reported a nearly 80% decline in dependents, along with more than 26,000 fewer student visa applications.
New regulations implemented from January prohibit most international students from bringing family members and restrict their ability to switch visas before completing their courses, as a measure to prevent misuse of student visas for work opportunities.
With Indians being the leading nationality in international student visa applications, the recent decline could potentially deter Indian students from choosing UK universities. The Home Secretary emphasized the necessity of reducing unsustainable migration numbers to alleviate pressures on public services and wages.
Further changes are expected as part of the government’s plans to reduce migration, including reviews of visa routes and salary thresholds for skilled workers entering the country.
The recent data also reflects the impact of stricter regulations on care workers bringing dependents and the expected effects of tightening measures on various visa categories. These efforts align with the government’s objectives of controlling both legal and illegal migration, especially in anticipation of the upcoming general election.
As part of these initiatives, the government has initiated schemes for the voluntary relocation of failed asylum seekers and the deportation of illegal migrants to countries like Rwanda, as part of larger efforts to regulate migration and ensure compliance with immigration laws.