London mayor bats for international students, calls for changes in post-study work visa

MUMBAI: Amidst falling numbers of international students, including a steep decline in students from India, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has advocated a policy change by calling for an introduction of 'post-study work policies'.

This policy should enable international students in the United Kingdom (UK) to work after graduation for a period of 12-24 months. It should be distinct from the current Tier 2 route (which is a sponsored mechanism for skilled workers), explains Khan in his paper 'Immigration - a future approach'.

This paper, released on October 11, spells out the Mayor's position on migration both for European Union (EU) and non-EU nationals in the backdrop of Brexit.

The Tier1(post-study) work visa, which was abolished in 2012, permitted international students to stay back and work for up to two years after completing their studies. While non EU international students can still work post their studies under the Tier 2 route meant for skilled workers, it is restrictive in scope and is also subject to strict salary criteria which makes it more challenging for new entrants to obtain jobs.

"As Tier 4 (student) visas for courses of 12 or more months are granted for the duration of the educational course plus four months, international students have a limited time frame within which to find a job. This in the current economic climate is very challenging. If they don't find a job within this period, they have to return home," an education counsellor explains.

Khan also calls for urgent removal of international students from the annual net migration targets. In a bid to reduce migration, the UK government has pegged the net migration (difference between the number of people entering and leaving UK) target to 1 lakh a year.



The Mayor is clear that UK needs a "robust managed immigration system and secure borders"; however, he also stresses on the need for a flexible migration approach that responds to demands and meets skill gaps.

Of particular interest to Indians, are Khan's suggestions for the student community . His blueprint repeatedly refers to the declining figures of students from India.

According to the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), China is the only country showing a significant increase in student numbers. The number of students from India has declined by 44% over the past five years, standing at 16,745 in 2015-16.

"The closure of the Tier 1 post study work visa in 2012 was not replaced with a clear alternative. Prospective students are left to decide whether the investment in studying here is financially viable. This has damaged international student recruitment, particularly in key markets such as India," the blueprint adds.

"A key policy is setting out clear post-study work opportunities for international students during the recruitment phase (before they have chosen the UK). We know that for certain nationals (eg: India), the ability to work after graduating is important," explains Khan in his paper.

In his blueprint, Khan clarifies that while there are opportunities for international students to work in the UK after graduating, these do not provide any guarantee which universities can offer to prospective students, unlike policies in some other countries.