EXCLUSIVE | UK visa policy revisions stir anxiety; WION speaks to Indian students and professionals

Both students and professionals from the Indian diaspora residing in the UK are feeling anxious about the recent revisions in the country's visa policies which are aimed at managing immigration numbers.

WION reached out to several individuals amid this atmosphere of uncertainty and found them grappling with concerns in a land they've come to regard as their second home.

To begin with, the changes include a hike in the minimum income threshold required to bring family members to the country as dependents.

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The minimum income necessary for a work visa surged from £18,600 (about ₹19 lakh) annually to £29,000 (nearly ₹30 lakh). An increase of about 55 per centin income threshold is a big shift.

Miral Shah, a dentist in the UK, told WION, “As a working professional, the increased minimum income requirement for bringing dependents on a work visa will certainly impact me. It raises the financial bar for us. While I understand the need for such measures, it adds pressure, especially considering the rising cost of living."

He said that balancing career growth and family needs becomeseven more challenging with these changes and it might end up discouraging talented professionals from considering opportunities here due to the financial strain it imposes.

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Shah also shared concerns with WION about the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) which has been tasked with evaluating the Graduate Route visa - also known as Post Study Work (PSW) visas.

PSW visas enable international students to remain in the UK for two years post-graduation to seek employment without sponsorship requirements.

"The potential discontinuation of the Graduate Route visa could pose a significant hurdle for international students planning their careers in the UK. This visa provides invaluable time for graduates to seek employment opportunities without the pressure of sponsorship," Shah told WION.

"Without it, international students may face limited options and increased uncertainty in their career paths, which could ultimately deter them from studying in the UK. It's crucial that the MAC considers the long-term implications of such a decision on both students and the higher educationsector," Shah added.

Students worried about changes in UK visa rules

Saima Shaikh, a recent graduate from Bournemouth University, spoke of the challenges these changes will bring.

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"While focussed on studies and work, having family support nearby is invaluable for emotional and practical reasons. Personally, not being able to have family close might mean relying more on friends or university resources for support. It sometimes also affect my ability to fully immerse in academic and social activities, as family plays a significant role in my overall well-being and adjustment to a new environment. These changes sometimes heighten feelings of isolation andhomesickness," Shaikh shared with WION.

But it's not just the professionals feeling the pinch.

In January, UK barred people on student visas from bringing dependents to the country.Alisha Mehta, currently pursuing her studies at Bournemouth University, empathised with those directly affected.

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"While I am fortunate not to be directly affected by the recent changes regarding bringing family members to the UK, I can't help but feel for those who are. University life can be challenging, especially for international students, and having family nearby provides a crucial support system. These changes might deter prospective students from choosing the UK for their education," she said.

These concerns are not unfounded.

With over 3 lakh Indians receiving Work visas and 1.2 lakh obtaining Student visas in 2023 alone, any changes to the visa policies could have far-reaching effects.