The UK’s graduate route is attracting low-wage migrants, rather than “global talent”, according to the Migration Advisory Committee, which is set to review the visa scheme.
In its annual report published in December, the committee said it was “sceptical” that the post-study visa, introduced in 2021 to allow all international students to stay and work for two years, is helping to attract high-skilled workers to the UK.
The government has asked the MAC to review the visa to “prevent abuse” and this latest report is likely to add to concerns from universities that the route could be significantly reduced or even scrapped.
The committee originally opposed the creation of the graduate route when discussions began in 2018 due to fears about the type of student it would attract and now, it argues, data is suggesting these concerns may have been realised.
