LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 337
ANSWERED ON 11.08.2023
NEW UK VISA RULES
*337. Prof. Sougata Ray:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has taken note that United Kingdom (UK) has changed its Visa Rules for students from abroad;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is aware that lakhs of Indian youths in UK undertake some part time jobs along with their studies to meet their expenses; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the implications of new UK Visa Rules on their future?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(DR. SUBRAHMANYAM JAISHANKAR)
(a to d) A statement is laid on the table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *337 REGARDING "NEW UK VISA RULES” FOR ANSWER ON 11.08.2023.
(a & b): Yes. As per the UK Government’s new visa rules, from 17 July 2023, international students will not be able to switch out of the student route into work routes before their studies have been complete. Also, from 01 January 2024, international students will not be able to bring dependents unless they are on postgraduate courses currently designated as research programmes.
(c & d): In 2022, the number of Indian students (excluding dependents) who have gone to the UK for studies was 139,539. The new visa rules will affect students from all the countries. The Government of India remains closely engaged with British authorities on all issues relating to further strengthening of people to people ties and the movement of young Indian students and professionals.
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