UK Study visa row: Ever since the UK government has let the word out about restricted study visa for the international students, the University Heads have been miffed with the government’s decision and the willing students’ hopes rended. Recently, UK’s Minister for Asia and the Pacific, Alok Sharma has said that the UK is willing to further its bilateral ties with India.
Alok Sharma on UK study visa – ‘will ensure it is as mutually beneficial as possible’
“We think that the relationship is more important than ever…Our bilateral trade is at £16 billion and there is huge potential to do even more.”
-Alok Sharma, UK Minister for Asia and the Pacific
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“We want Indian companies and public sector entities to see the City of London as their natural home for raising offshore finance…As India continues to develop ambitious infrastructure plans, we want to be the destination of choice for raising international funds.”
While talking about its new international student visa regime, Sharma said, “There is no cap on the number of international students in recognised institutions in the U.K. We continue to welcome students from India. We approved 89 per cent of Indian student visas and the Home Secretary will be consulting widely on the student visa regime to ensure it is as mutually beneficial as possible.”
The experts are of the opinion that the move if implemented will greatly reduce the enrollment of Indian students in UK educational institutions and they will be left with no other choice than opting for educational programmes in other countries.