UK plans abolition of visas for non-EU students

In what could be bad news for Indians planning to go to the UK for educational purposes, Britain is considering abolishing visas to non-EU students, including Indians, who are planning to take up employment there, after they complete their studies. This is expected to reduce sharply the number of Indian aspirants who wish to pursue MBA degrees in the country, according to industry sources.

While the employment levels in the US and the UK remain a major cause for worry to the respective countries, the new visa curb may be expected to impact students not only in India, but elsewhere as well.

According to the London-based Association of MBAs, which accredits business management courses in 70 countries, including the UK, the move was of 'significant concern'.
According to immigration minister Damian Green, non-EU students cannot be given unfettered access to the UK labour market amidst concerns of unemployment. He said, "The post study work route was intended to form a bridge between study and skilled work, allowing all international graduates to remain for two years after graduation... To allow unfettered access to the jobs market for two years to anyone with a student visa from abroad is putting an unnecessary extra strain on our own graduates".

Meanwhile, the association has pointed out that international students brought in considerable revenue, "a high level of income for UK universities at a time when they are struggling for funding". Tuition fees for MBA courses in British universities range from £10,000 pounds to £50,000 pounds per year.

The association, in a survey, found that the restrictions would severely impact enrollments even as Green's proposal has drawn flak from various quarters.

Considering the fact that India and China are two of the UK's biggest markets for international students, the association said in its response to the student visa review that the UK must do all it can to remain competitive in the highly skilled business education sector.