International students needed by UK Universities and they contribute billions to the UK economy

UK higher education brings billions of pounds into the economy with thousands of international students coming here to study and, for many, to make a life in Britain.

Immigration Rules allow university students to work under a student visa while studying in the UK and apply for a Tier 2 work permit after they graduate with a UK degree. 

But under new proposals announced by Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, graduates will be required to leave the country and re-apply for a UK visa to come back and work.

The government must balance the need to control immigration and keep the economy moving in the right direction. Figures show that thousands of students are remaining in the UK after their studies putting more pressure on Home Office net migration targets.

Putting it in simple terms, an international student from a less affluent country can make more money in the UK as a care worker than he can back home as a lawyer or accountant. 

The problem is, a low paid care worker on minimum wage is not contributing to the economy - many will pay hardly any tax and if they have children at schools will be a net drain on the system.

Employers want a more open UK visa system for foreign students and Tier 2 workers, as this gives them a wider choice of available talent.

On the other hand, the country is facing a huge shortage of housing which is forcing prices beyond the reach of young people trying to get on the property ladder.

UK universities argue that they are competing with countries, like Australia, which welcome the best students and allow them to stay on to find and obtain working visas.

International students are important to the UK’s economy, contributing billions of pounds every year and creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs.

Many UK universities appear in the top of world’s league tables year after year, and need the best national and international talent to stay ahead of the competition.

For overseas students and migrants, the UK remains a huge draw because of its strong economy, flexible business laws and money making opportunities. Frankly, Britain needs their energy and drive.