Opposition to Visa Cuts Increases

A number of British MPs have criticised the student visa changes that are to be introduced by the government next year, arguing that they will harm the economy.

The government first announced the cuts earlier this year, in a bid to reduce immigration into the UK by up to 230,000 over five years. However, official figures released in June predict that the new restrictions could cost the economy £3.6 billion.

Figures Dismissed

Despite being calculated by her own department, the Home Secretary, Theresa May, has dismissed this figure and instead asked the migration advisory committee for a "better assessment and a better judgment of the true picture".

However, the Home Affairs Committee is outraged by May's refusal to believe the facts, with the chairman Keith Vaz revealing:

"The Home Secretary's dismissal of the impact assessment is very disappointing. The government appears to be not only making policy without adequate immigration statistics, but also ignoring its own evidence. We reiterate the need for an immigration policy which is both evidence-based and does not adversely affect the British economy."

Chance of a Reversal?

This is not the first time that prominent figures in the government and within the Higher Education system have condemned the proposed changes to student visas. Indeed, the cuts have already been reduced once after opposition to the initial plans. So is there a chance that the new visa restrictions will be stopped completely? In truth, probably not, but there is a good chance that they will continue to be reduced over the coming months as powerful opposition continues to make itself heard.

Only time will tell at the end of the day, and with so many changes happening throughout every aspect of British society at the moment, anything can happen.

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