Data showing a rise of dependent visas to 154,063 in June 2023 from the previous year’s 80,846 underscores the government’s concern about immigration numbers.
Data showing a rise of dependent visas to 154,063 in June 2023 from the previous year’s 80,846 underscores the government’s concern about immigration numbers.
Indian students have been in a mad rush to secure visas for their dependents in the UK before the government’s impending ban. The situation shows a multifaceted issue involving immigration policy, educational aspirations, and the economic dynamics of international education.
The ban, set to take effect in January 2024, has led to a surge in demand for student and dependent visas, influencing various stakeholders, including students, educational institutions, and visa consultancies.
The UK government’s decision to ban dependents for international students is a significant shift in policy. This move, announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, appears to be a response to the substantial increase in study-related visas for dependents.
Data showing a rise of dependent visas to 154,063 in June 2023 from the previous year’s 80,846 underscores the government’s concern about immigration numbers. This policy change is occurring in a broader context of high net migration, a politically sensitive issue in the UK.
The rush to secure visas before the ban takes effect has created a unique market dynamic. Education agents are reportedly charging inflated prices to facilitate admissions to UK universities.
The case of a couple paying £30,000 for a student visa and a dependent’s visa indicates the high financial stakes involved. Such scenarios highlight the desperation and willingness of individuals to invest heavily in educational and migration opportunities.
Furthermore, the situation has led some students, like Rinku Sharma from Gujarat, to accelerate their admission plans and make significant personal sacrifices, such as selling agricultural land, to fund their education and bring dependents to the UK.
“It is a one-time investment. Once we get a degree from the UK and work experience, we have a great future both in the UK and back in India,” said Sharma.
Priyanka Tyagi, from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, chose to advance her application for a postgraduate program in the UK after completing her undergraduate studies.
“I have got a visa for my spouse also. He has a bachelor of business administration and will get a job in the UK. We are leaving for England next week,” Tyagi said.
This trend reflects the high value placed on UK education and the perceived long-term benefits of such an investment.
The response from universities has been mixed. Some, like BPP University, have reportedly opened up applications in November and December to accommodate the surge in demand.
This could be seen as a pragmatic response to market demands but raises ethical questions about the commodification of education and the exploitation of students’ urgency.
However, the policy change and the resultant rush have broader social and cultural implications. Instances of ‘contract’ marriages, as reported, where academic or language qualifications are circumvented for immigration purposes, point to the lengths individuals are willing to go to secure a future in the UK.
This not only highlights the desirability of UK education and work experience but also raises concerns about the social and ethical ramifications of such arrangements.
Visa consultancies are playing a pivotal role in this scenario. Agencies like Om Visa in Punjab are capitalizing on the situation by advertising exclusive opportunities and processing a high volume of spouse applications. Sahil Bhatia, the leader of Om Visa, mentioned that he is handling between 30 and 40 spouse visa applications daily.
“The student can take their spouses and children along. Hurry up and grab the opportunity to get admission in the university with limited seats before the January ban is implemented,” he said in a post on social media.
While these agencies provide a vital service, there is a risk of exploitation and misinformation, especially when high fees are involved and the stakes are significant for the applicants.
The situation poses several questions for policymakers, educators, and migration experts. The UK’s approach to international student visas and its impact on higher education institutions, students’ lives, and broader immigration policy is under scrutiny.
The balance between maintaining robust immigration controls and supporting the international education sector, a significant contributor to the UK’s economy, is delicate.
The rush among Indian students to bring dependents to the UK before the impending government ban is a complex issue. It reflects broader themes of global migration, the value of education, economic aspirations, and the impact of policy decisions on individual lives. The situation is a microcosm of international education’s challenges and opportunities in a globalized world.
