The Wonkhe Show Immigration white paper, Jacqui Smith
May 15, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Smita Jamdar, a partner at Shakespeare Martineau, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, and Roscoe Hastings from the University of Exeter dive into the implications of the UK's new immigration white paper. They tackle the reduction of the graduate route visa and its potential harm to international student recruitment. The proposed 6% levy on international fees raises eyebrows, highlighting concerns about funding and compliance. They also scrutinize Skills Minister Jacqui Smith's critique of universities, questioning financial accountability and public trust in higher education.
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Immigration White Paper's Major Impact
- The immigration white paper cuts the graduate visa from two years to 18 months, excluding PhD students.
- This change, plus tougher compliance and a potential levy on international fees, threatens UK higher education significantly.
Shorter Graduate Visa Harms Growth
- Reducing the graduate route visa to 18 months risks deterring international students.
- It harms the government's own productivity and growth goals by diminishing student recruitment.
Communicate Visa Policy Changes
- Universities should inform current and prospective international students about visa changes promptly.
- Transparency helps students make informed decisions in uncertain immigration policy times.