The UK Launches new immigration policies for Indian Students

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In May 2021, India and UK signed a new migration partnership pact with an aim to amplify the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The pact also included policies for migrant workers, Indian students and employers. After this pact, individuals between the age of 18-30 years will be able to obtain visas more easily to live in either India or UK for study or work for up to two years.

According to data by HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency), around 98,000 students visited the UK to pursue higher studies in 2021, which is an increase of 90% from 2020. Moreover, 48% more students received Tier-4 Student Visas to the UK between 2019 and 2020 compared to those granted to Chinese Nationals.

Read: Indians Incorporate for the Majority of Foreign Skilled Workers in UK

UK Continues to be a location of choice for Indian students planning to study abroad. Even the Pandemic failed to act as a deterrent as in 2021 around 9930 students applied to study in the UK compared to 7,640 in 2020.

The Graduate Route policy is one of the most important steps introduced by the UK Government to encourage international students to look for employment in the UK and build their careers. By opting for this route, international students will also be able to contribute to the growth of companies as well as the UK economy.

According to a report by Universities UK, there is around one million professional job vacancy in the Uk at the moment. The report also stated that vacancy for graduate-level jobs in 2021 was around 20% more than it was in 2019. The vacancies will also increase by 22% in 2022.

Also Read: 30% Rise in Undergraduate Applications from Indian Students to Study at UK Universities: UCAS Report

United Kingdom leaving the EU is of the main reasons for this substantial increase in job vacancies in various industries. Workers are unwilling to visit UK due to the new points-based immigration system that focuses on English language proficiency, education qualifications and skills. In such a situation, working with India will prove advantageous for both countries.

The country requires workers in different sectors such as architects, engineers, doctors, hospitality, veterinarians and so on. As a result, it is also willing to allow employers to pay 20% less than the visa eligibility for these roles.

Check: UK: Skills Minister Applauds the Success of International Education Strategy

In 2020, Indians were provided more sponsored skilled workers visas than any other group. These individuals are all working in highly-paid positions in UK. The country also granted three in five Visas to Indians in IT field.

Other Policies introduced by the UK include reducing the salary and skill level so that employers can hire more migrants to meet demand. Cap on total number of workers that can be hired has also been removed.

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