Challenges and Criticisms: Lord Bilimoria Slams UK's Immigration Policy

Lord Bilimoria, a prominent figure in the UK-India relations, has voiced strong criticism against the latest immigration policy statement by the government. At the launch of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union’s Achievers Honours in Westminster, he expressed concern about the policy's detrimental impact on the economy and international appeal. Particularly, Bilimoria denounced the decision to raise the minimum skilled worker visa salary threshold to nearly £40,000, labeling it as an "economically illiterate move."

Cross-Party Solidarity: Parliamentarians Unite for the 'Human Bridge'

The launch witnessed a rare show of cross-party solidarity, with parliamentarians including Virendra Sharma, Jo Johnson, Gareth Thomas, and Navendu Mishra standing together. Their united front emphasized the significance of the 'human bridge' connecting India and the UK through international education. Gareth Thomas, the current shadow minister for trade, underscored the need for a deeper relationship between the two nations, given India's anticipated economic growth over the next two decades.

Impact on Universities: Decline in Indian Student Enrollments

The repercussions of the immigration policy are already evident in British universities, where Indian student enrollments have either declined or remained stagnant. Sanam Arora, chairperson for NISAU, attributed this fall to the unwelcoming message communicated to prospective Indian students. The announcement of the dependency policy earlier in the year reportedly triggered a significant 60% decline in student numbers from India, signaling a concerning trend for the future.

NISAU's Historical Context: From Crackdown to Deja Vu

The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) emerged in response to a government crackdown on compliance in 2012, which led to the loss of global sponsor status for many universities. This crackdown, aimed at improving compliance, left thousands of international students, particularly from India, in a state of uncertainty regarding their finances and immigration status. The current situation, with policy changes and reviews, echoes a sense of déjà vu for those who witnessed the challenges of the past.

Perception of Students as Cash-Cows: A Concerning Trend

Sanam Arora of NISAU expressed a worrying sentiment among Indian students, describing them as feeling like "cash-cows." This perception, she believes, is contributing to a decline in the number of Indian students choosing the UK for their education. The fear is that the trend might lead to a substantial decrease in Indian student numbers, reminiscent of the period between 2000 and 2013.

Policy Impact on Student Choices: Shift towards Australia and Canada

Dhananjay Thakare, a former Indian civil servant now studying in the UK, highlighted a concerning trend where policy changes are influencing students' choices. He mentioned that students, unaware of policy-level speculations, depend on agencies and information from others to make decisions. With policies in Australia and Canada becoming more attractive, there's a real risk of losing talented students to these competing nations.

Review of the Graduate Route: An Uncertain Future

The recent announcement of the review of the Graduate Route has added to the uncertainty in the sector. Lord Johnson provided an update on the proposed review from the Migration Advisory Committee, stating that the results won't be available until September of the following year. The sector remains on edge as it grapples with managing the message and ensuring that the review focuses on specific abuses rather than questioning the overall role of post-study work visas.

NISAU Achievers Awards: Celebrating Indian Graduates

Amidst the challenges, the NISAU Achievers Awards stand as an annual celebration of the impact Indian graduates are making globally. In 2023, 75 outstanding individuals were honored in ceremonies held in Delhi and London. The awards serve as a platform for universities to showcase their high-achieving Indian alumni, emphasizing the value of a UK degree.

Looking Forward: Mobilizing the Sector for Global Study Options

As nominations open for the 2024 NISAU Achievers Awards, universities find themselves at a crucial juncture. Mobilizing the sector to showcase international student outcomes and the value of a UK degree becomes vitally important. With students having choices, the focus should be on countering the perception of policy reversals and fostering an environment that attracts and retains top talent in the UK.