The UK government has announced new restrictions on the ability of international students to bring family members with them when studying in the country. The changes, which take effect this month, will limit dependents to only those on postgraduate research courses or government-funded scholarships.The move comes as part of a wider crackdown on student visas under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Announcing the changes on social media, Sunak said that from 2024 the government would be already delivering for the British people by reducing migration numbers.The Home Office states the new rules are intended to close a backdoor route to work and settlement in the UK. Figures show dependents arriving with overseas students have surged by over 930% since 2019. The department claims some institutions are selling immigration, not education by enabling this high level of dependants.Home Secretary Grant Shapps said: This government is delivering on its commitment to the British public to cut migration. We have set out a tough plan to rapidly bring numbers down, control our borders and prevent people from manipulating our immigration system.While retaining the ability for a small number of the brightest and the best postgraduates to bring family, the Home Office argues the changes strike the right balance between maintaining the UKs reputation for elite higher education and reducing net migration.The moves are the latest steps by the Sunak government to demonstrate promised action on cutting immigration numbers, both legal and illegal. With the reforms taking effect imminently, their impact will soon be clear.
