The government is developing ideas to restrict immigration to the UK, including a ban on family members joining international master’s students at British colleges.
This is part of an effort to curb net migration to the UK, which has recently reached a record high.
According to the most recent numbers, published in November, net migration increased to 504,000 in the fiscal year ending June 2022.
The figures are up from pre-Brexit immigration levels, with the majority of migrants coming from non-EU nations.
Net migration was 336,000 in the year ending June 2015, the year before the UK decided to leave the EU.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman stated at the time that she is “absolutely determined” to solve the situation, conceding that the government has “failed” to regulate borders.
With about 500,000 study visas awarded by the UK authorities in 2022, students have been a prominent element in the post-Covid spike in migration.
This is an increase of 81% since 2019.
Students, particularly those from Nigeria and India, are increasingly likely to bring family members with them.
Dependant visas were issued 135,788 in 2022, up from 16,047 in 2019.
According to numerous sources close to the discussions, a joint plan from the Department for Education, the Home Office, and the Treasury would prohibit dependants from travelling with master’s students on one-year courses.