The British embassy in Chandigarh recently stopped issuing student visas in north India as they have suspected a nexus between travel agents in Punjab and tainted educational institutions in the UK. They allege that nexus has led to a flood of applications that the embassy has received recently.
Days after Britain suspended issuing student visas in north India, home secretary Alan Johnson announced new measures intended to cut the number of student visas issued abroad and prevent abuse of the immigration system. Johnson said that Britain will come down heavily on those who use student visas to come to Britain mainly to work and abuse the system.
Under the new measures, successful applicants from India and other countries outside the European Union will have to meet a higher bar on English language requirement, and students taking courses below degree level will be allowed to work for only 10 hours a week, instead of 20 as at present.
The Association of Accredited Advisors on Overseas Education (AAAOE) has expressed displeasure over the criticism of the UK Border Agency (UKBA) that Indian agents for overseas education were responsible for the troubles of students who suffered destitution in UK.
Do you think the UK tightening visa rules is a genuine effort to check abuse of the immigration system? Or do you think Britain is insecure about the growing clout and influence of capable Indians in the UK job market?
Comments