No Evidence of Abuse: UK Graduate Visa Route Under Scrutiny

The Migration Advisory Committee, or MAC, has recently released a report stating that the graduate visa, which allows international students to work in the UK for two or three years after graduation, is not being widely abused. This comes despite some senior Conservatives alleging that the route is being exploited.
According to the MAC, the risks of abuse are relatively low and the graduate visa route is not undermining the integrity and quality of the UK’s higher education system. The committee recommends that the graduate visa should remain in place. This is a huge relief for many international students and university leaders who rely on this route.
But why is this important? The graduate visa is a key part of the offer that attracts international students to the UK. The fees these students pay help universities cover costs and fund research, which benefits everyone. Without them, many universities would struggle financially.
However, not everyone is happy with this report. Some Conservative MPs, including Robert Jenrick and Neil O'Brien, have described the MAC’s findings as a “whitewash.” They argue that the inquiry was too narrow and controlled. There's a push from some backbenchers to ignore the committee’s conclusions altogether.
But here’s the kicker: The government hasn't yet decided whether to accept the MAC's recommendations. They’re reviewing the report and will make a decision soon. This has created a lot of uncertainty, and university leaders are anxious about what might happen next.
Some key stats from the report: In 2023, 114,000 graduate visas were granted, with the majority going to students from India, Nigeria, China, and Pakistan. The MAC also noted that while graduate visa holders are initially overrepresented in lower-paid work, their employment outcomes improve over time.
University leaders are urging the government to follow the MAC’s recommendation and keep the graduate visa as it is. They argue that the uncertainty around this visa has been toxic and are calling for clear and swift action.
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