India sent more students to the UK than any other overseas country in 2022-23, overtaking China which had previously held this position since 2018-19. This Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) accredited data released last week reiterates a well-documented fact ever since India overtook China as the largest nationality to be issued student visas back in 2022.
However, the recent anti-immigrant rioting across different cities in the UK in the wake of the Southport stabbings has raised safety concerns for these students, with some universities fearing an impact on their decision to take up their enrolments for the new term amid official travel advisories on exercising caution. Universities UK International (UUKi), the country’s leading representative organisation for the sector, sought to reassure Indians and other overseas students and pointed to the recent groundswell of counter-protests and peace marches across the country.
A UUKi statement notes: “Racism has no place in British society and the UK government has taken swift action to address the riots. It has been heartening to see communities across the UK come out to show their support each other, and against racism and xenophobia.
“We hope this positive response helps reassure current and potential international students that the UK welcomes and values diversity – and stands up to show it.”
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The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK appealed to the Indian student community to remain vigilant but expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to stamp out the violence.
NISAU UK Founder & Chair Sanam Arora said: “We are very much concerned by these riots and want the government to ensure the safety of all students, Indian and otherwise, in the country. We request all to exercise caution and stay vigilant. Avoid areas where protests are happening.
“We firmly believe that the UK is a wonderful country which respects diversity and inclusion and have full confidence in the new Prime Minister and the UK government in controlling the situation and protecting the vulnerable.”
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Meanwhile, the latest Home Office estimates suggest that Indian student numbers will start registering a fall as tougher new measures banning dependent visas except for a very small group of post-graduates begin to have an impact. Student visa applications fell by 16 per cent or 30,300 and the related dependent visa applications under the route is down 81 per cent or 55,000 in the first seven months of 2024, compared with the same period last year. Overall, main applicants and dependents across key UK visa routes – Skilled Worker, Health and Care, and Study – fell by 35 per cent or 187,900 in line with Home Office targets to cut immigration.
“Immigration brings many benefits to the UK, but it must be controlled and delivered through a fair system,” the UK Home Office said.