British tabloids have disclosed that Home Secretary James Cleverly has urged the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to review the graduate visa, forming part of a five-point strategy to decrease net migration by 300,000 from its record levels.
The year ending June 2023 saw over 98,000 students receiving two-year visas post-graduation, indicating a substantial 74% surge in a single year.
Concerns have been raised regarding potential misuse for low-skilled jobs or staying without employment.
MAC Chairman Professor Brian Bell has stated the committee’s intention to evaluate grade requirements and consider potential restrictions on universities, courses, or types of employment for foreign students.
The MAC’s annual report has also highlighted misuse of the care worker visa route as a backdoor for illegal migrants and the exploitation of foreign staff.
