UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plan to impose restrictions on the UK’s Graduate Route visa is facing significant pushback from his government.

Sunak is reportedly planning to scrap the UK’s graduate visa scheme, prioritising reducing legal and illegal migration, according to a new report.

The UK prime minister is seemingly caught between the more radical wing of his party and a Conservative Party wipeout in upcoming polls.

The potential visa changes have sparked opposition from key cabinet members, including Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, and Foreign Secretary David Cameron.

University and business leaders have also warned that any reduction in post-study work opportunities would make the UK less attractive to international students, particularly from India.

“Studying at university is one of our biggest export successes. Attracting international students boosts local economies and losing competitiveness would put support for undergraduate teaching and innovation at risk,” Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer for the Confederation of British Industry John Foster said.

UK universities representative, Universities UK, has urged the government to provide “categorical reassurance” that the Graduate Route visa is here to stay.

Migration Advisory Committee Chair Professor Brian Bell noted that Indian students, who accounted for 42% of the visas granted between 2021 and 2023, would be the most affected by any restrictions.

Sunak government’s focus on reducing legal and illegal migration is seen as the driving force behind the potential visa changes.

However, the backlash from within his party and the higher education sector may complicate the government’s plans.

“The uncertainty caused by the review has been chaotic. We urge the government to accept the MAC’s findings and ensure the Graduate Route remains a stable and permanent fixture in the UK’s immigration system,” National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK Vignesh Karthik said.

The UK university leaders are warning the government that any changes to the graduate visa, which allows international students to stay and work in the UK for 2-3 years after graduation, would have a rapid and significant impact on universities.

They argue the government must own the consequences, as universities’ precarious financial situations can no longer be ignored.

The government is reportedly considering revising or even scrapping the graduate visa, potentially as a way to appear tough on immigration ahead of the upcoming general election.

However, universities counter that the visa provides important economic benefits, as confirmed by internal government analysis.

Conservative MP Neil O’Brien criticised that it enables “low wage, low skill migration” rather than the high-skilled migration the government claims to want.

However, university leaders say the Migration Advisory Committee has provided clear evidence the visa benefits the UK economy and higher education sector.

There are concerns the government may try to limit the visa to only the “brightest and best” students at top-ranked universities, despite the MAC finding the visa has helped expand benefits beyond just elite institutions.

The Graduate Route visa, introduced in 2021, allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after graduating.

It was unveiled a graduate visa that provides opportunities for students to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after completing a course in the UK.

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