Indian students come to the UK looking for work experience that will enable them to stand apart in the job market. Plus India has high unemployment right now so it is not surprising they are looking for good employment opportunities – Sanam Arora, British Indian youth leader.
Photo: SNS
In a major boost for Indian students, the UK government on Wednesday announced a new two-year post-study work visa, expanding opportunities for talented international students to build successful careers in the country.
The new ‘Graduate’ route will be open to international students ~ including those from India ~ who have UK immigration status as a student and have completed a course of study in any subject at undergraduate level or above at an approved UK Higher Education Provider. The visa will allow students to work, or look for work in any career of their choice, for two years after completing their studies, the British High Commission said. Commenting on it, British Home Secretary Priti Patel said, “The new Graduate Route will mean international students, whether in science and maths or technology and engineering, can study in the UK and then gain valuable work experience. It demonstrates our global outlook and will ensure that we continue to attract the best.”
British High Commissioner to India Sir Dominic Asquith said, “This is fantastic news for Indian students, who will now be able to spend more time in the UK after completing their degree, allowing them to gain further skills and experience. I’m delighted that numbers of Indian students coming to study in the UK are constantly increasing, having doubled over the last three years. Last year alone we saw a massive 42 per cent increase.”
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He said the new announcement would help ensure that the UK remained one of the best destinations for students across the world.
”The UK welcomes genuine students from India and the rest of the world for the positive contribution they make to the UK. Indian student numbers have significantly increased over the last three years, reaching almost 22,000 in the year ending June 2019,” he added.
Hailing the announcement, director north, British Council India, Tom Birtwistle said, “It is a welcome development for Indian students. The new graduate immigration route supports the ambitions of Indian students, who consider post study work option as an important factor when making their choice of studying abroad.It gives students the chance to develop their careers in an international marketplace.”
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