The United Kingdom (UK) government has declared that, as of January 1, 2024, family visits by overseas students will no longer be permitted under the new UK student visa regulations. Students who are conducting postgraduate research and those who receive government scholarships, however, are not affected by the changes. On the very first day of 2024, the announcement was made.
“We are totally dedicated to observing a significant reduction in migration. New international students will no longer be permitted to bring family members to the UK as of right now. Students on government-funded scholarships or pursuing postgraduate study will not be charged,” the UK home office stated in a post on X.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reiterated on his social media page in 2024 that the UK is already providing for the British people.
This Is What Announced In May 2023
According to the UK Home Office, the modifications are intended to reduce the number of dependents brought in by international students who enter the nation on a student visa and seek employment there. The UK will see some 1,40,000 fewer people as a result of the new measures, which were first announced by former home secretary Suella Braverman in May of last year.
“This administration is keeping its promise to the British people to reduce immigration. This year, we have a strict plan that will be implemented to quickly reduce the number of immigrants, manage our borders, and stop people from gaming the immigration system, said Home Secretary James Cleverly in a statement.
1,52,980 Visas Granted to Student’s Dependents
Dependents of students were granted 1,52,980 visas, according to information obtained by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The UK Home Office went on to state that in order to minimize migration, the government will collaborate with academic institutions to develop a different strategy that will allow talented students to bring their dependents with them.
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