UK’s dependent visa changes and potential effects

The United Kingdom has long been known as a top destination for international students looking for a high-quality education and a diverse range of experiences. However, recent changes in the country’s immigration policies have raised concerns and sparked debate among international students. The decision to limit dependent visas for international students, in particular, has created significant challenges for those wishing to bring their families along on their academic journeys.

With a reputation as a global education hub, the UK has previously welcomed international students’ dependents under the Tier 4 visa category, emphasizing the importance of family unity. This provision not only fostered a sense of community and stability but also provided crucial emotional support for students navigating life in a foreign land. However, recent changes in immigration regulations have significantly curtailed the eligibility and accessibility of dependent visas, casting a wide range of implications for students and their families.

The UK government has recently announced more stringent regulations concerning international students’ ability to bring their family members with them.

The new restrictions aim to prevent individuals from exploiting the student visa as a means to gain employment in the UK. It also intends to manage and reduce net migration, while still acknowledging and preserving the economic benefits that international students bring to the country.

“It is time for us to tighten up this route to ensure we can cut migration numbers and meet the government’s pledge to the British people to cut net migration,” said Home Secretary Suella Braverman in a statement.

“This is the fair thing to do to allow us to better protect our public services while supporting the economy by allowing the students who contribute the most to keep coming here.”

The decision is in response to the anticipated release of Office for National Statistics data, which is expected to reveal net migration exceeding 500,000 between June 2021 and June 2022.

To combat visa system misuse, international students will be barred from transitioning from student visas to work routes until they have finished their studies.

Furthermore, the government intends to conduct a thorough review of the financial criteria for students and their dependents. Additionally, there will be increased efforts to crack down on unscrupulous international student agents who facilitate inappropriate visa applications.

These changes will be implemented from January next year.

In response to the recent announcement, Dr. Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group, a collective of 24 leading UK universities, emphasized the numerous benefits that international students bring to the UK.  

While expressing concerns about potential negative impacts on universities’ plans to diversify international student intakes, he welcomed the government’s commitment to the Graduate Route and the provision allowing dependents to accompany students on postgraduate research programs. 

“With most international students only staying in the UK temporarily, this should be reflected more clearly in the net migration figures rather than counting them in the totals with permanent migrants,” Bradshaw stated.

Chidinma Akaniro, an international student currently studying public policy at the University of Cambridge, expressed her dismay at the lack of communication and the potential negative impacts of the new policy. 

The policy, unintentionally, puts an additional burden on married women, potentially forcing them to choose between their family and education, she stressed.

“I wonder, was I expected to leave my one-year-old behind? Like on earth is that even something that is being considered?” she told MSM Reporter.

“They are putting that barrier in place for pregnant women. Are you suggesting that pregnant women should stop coming to the UK? Or that pregnancy is now a barrier to education?” she added.

Beyond the personal effects on students and their families, she said there are broader concerns about the impact on the UK’s economy and cultural diversity. International students make substantial financial contributions, paying high tuition fees and supporting local businesses, Akaniro noted.

“If this is the case for other international students here with their families, then you can see how this policy can significantly impact the UK economy… impact even the nurseries,” said the student, adding that the policy’s potentially negative effects on revenue, housing markets, and cultural diversity within the classroom should not be overlooked.

Recognizing the need for advocacy and collective action, Akaniro has initiated a campaign titled “Yes to Family.” By sharing personal experiences and humanizing the impact of such policies, the campaign aims to raise awareness and work towards policy revisions.

Through amplifying the voices of affected students and engaging with support services and advocacy groups, she hopes to raise awareness and work towards policy revisions.

While exploring alternative options such as online learning and other countries with more welcoming policies remains a possibility, the student maintains hope for a reversal of the limited dependent visa policy. She also encouraged affected students to engage with their universities’ support systems and international student services, fostering dialogue and understanding.

The restricted dependent visa policy disrupts international students’ ability to strike a balance between their academic pursuits and familial responsibilities. Many students choose the UK as their educational destination to create a better future for their families. 

These students not only pay tuition fees but also contribute to local economies by supporting businesses, creating employment opportunities, and driving economic growth, as highlighted in the study titled “The Economic Impacts of International Student Mobility in the Globalization Process.” 

Having worked in the education industry for over 14 years, Dr. Ajihson Joseph, the country manager of Kampus Group in Nigeria, said he understands that every change in the international education landscape brings both positive and negative aspects.

He acknowledged the need for a balance in immigration to prevent an overwhelming influx of non-nationals, saying that the new policies aim to maintain control and protect the interests of its citizens.

Joseph, however, also pointed out that the new policies may lead to a decline in the number of applicants, as some international students choose to study in the UK primarily to bring their families along. 

This decline in applications could pose financial challenges for universities, as they may face difficulties in securing sufficient funding. Additionally, the policy shift may prompt universities to re-engage with recruitment agencies, as they seek quality students and rely on agencies’ expertise to identify suitable candidates.

“The dependent visa is like a catalyst for individuals who want to study because they can relocate their spouse and children,” Joseph explained to MSM Reporter, noting the significance of dependent visa options in the decision-making process for international students and their families. 

However, with the new restrictions, many individuals may lose interest in studying in the UK, particularly those who sought to bring their dependents along. Joseph noted that the policy change may deter students who primarily aimed to take advantage of the dependent visa option, resulting in a shift towards students genuinely seeking a master’s qualification.

“The changes will definitely impact enrollment numbers and revenue for institutions heavily reliant on international students,” he stated.

He anticipated a shortage of funds for universities and the need to reassess their relationship with students, including potentially reconsidering the deferral of students to later start dates.

Nonetheless, Joseph highlighted the transformative power of international education, where individuals from diverse backgrounds recognize education as the pathway to freedom and independence. 

He said the UK’s openness to students from different cultures has fostered positive change in areas like women’s rights, disability rights, science, technology, and medicine, empowering individuals to contribute to society.

 “International education has truly made the world a global village, where individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds recognize education as the gateway to freedom and real independence,” he said. 

Sue Kukadia, tax partner and head of immigration at Mazars, emphasized that such changes could result in economic self-harm for the country, particularly in regions where universities are the main drivers of growth. 

The international student market, which currently brings £25.9 billion to the country each year, plays a crucial role in fueling the economy and maintaining economic development partnerships with other nations, she said.

“Losing this substantial contribution could be detrimental to the UK’s overall economic well-being,” Kukadia told MSM Reporter.

 She said the new rules also unequivocally diminish the attractiveness of the UK in comparison to other countries where dependents are permitted to accompany students for the duration of their studies.

These changes would undoubtedly affect educational institutions and speculated that an increase in tuition fees might be necessary to offset the anticipated decline in student numbers, Kukadia stressed.

“Students have lots of options when it comes to studying outside of their home country; if presented with a choice of studying in the UK and leaving their dependents behind, or studying elsewhere, with their family, many will choose the latter,” she said.

She also noted the critical role of international graduates in addressing the UK’s challenges in attracting local talent and filling skilled positions, particularly in industries like healthcare and engineering.

“Cutting international students will reduce choice and quality for UK students, and damage our skills pipeline in key areas,” she said.

The effects of the UK’s dependent visa changes on international students and their families remain a source of concern and debate. These policy changes have far-reaching consequences, affecting emotional well-being, academic success, university finances, and cultural diversity.

While the restrictions aim to address immigration control and protect national interests, stakeholders in the education community advocate for a more balanced approach that recognizes international students’ valuable contributions and unique circumstances. Moving forward, continued dialogue, collaboration, and policy revisions may pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive environment for international students pursuing their educational goals in the UK.