UK Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra has highlighted concerns about increasing numbers of foreign students seeking asylum after completing their studies, while defending her government’s broader immigration reform plans during a visit to India.
New immigration proposals could extend settlement periods
Under the proposed reforms, some migrants may face up to 20 years before they can settle permanently in the UK. The qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) would be extended from five to ten years. These changes are expected to affect around 2.6 million people who arrived in the UK since 2021.
While the proposals have received cautious support from Conservative MPs, they have been criticised by some Labour MPs and others concerned about the impact on international students and professionals.
Addressing visa abuse
Speaking to the BBC in Chennai, Malhotra said the reforms align with global practices to prevent abuse of immigration systems. She emphasised that the UK continues to welcome those entering legally, but there are growing concerns about the misuse of legal migration routes.
According to Malhotra, approximately 16,000 international students applied for asylum in the UK last year after completing their studies, with a further 14,800 doing so in the first half of 2025. She highlighted that such abuse undermines both the immigration system and public confidence.
Impact on indian students and universities
India remains one of the largest sources of international students in the UK, though demand is slowing. The number of Indian students has declined by 11% compared to last year, raising concerns among UK universities already under financial strain.
Data from the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford shows that Indian students made up 25% of international arrivals in 2023–2024, followed by China at 23% and Nigeria at 8%. Malhotra reiterated that the UK continues to welcome Indian students but is working closely with universities to ensure applicants are genuine.
UK-India trade deal and education initiatives
Malhotra highlighted that the recently concluded UK–India free trade agreement (FTA) encourages UK universities to open local campuses in India. Liverpool University is set to open a campus in Bengaluru in 2026. The FTA, signed in July, is expected to boost the UK’s GDP by £4.8 billion annually and expand bilateral trade by £25.5 billion.
Nine UK universities have already been approved to establish campuses across India under the education chapter of the deal.
Political context and immigration system overhaul
Despite trade ambitions, the UK government faces domestic pressure to tighten immigration controls. During a visit to India in October, Sir Keir Starmer noted that visa rules for Indian nationals would not be relaxed, despite India seeking greater mobility in exchange for trade benefits.
Malhotra rejected suggestions that the UK is pursuing trade while restricting professional migration. Last year, nearly half a million visas were granted to Indian nationals across work, study, and visitor categories.
The UK is moving toward a contribution-based immigration system, where long-term settlement depends on economic contribution rather than length of stay. Malhotra stressed that routes for professionals in critical sectors like healthcare and social care are being expanded.
Concerns over the nursing and care workforce
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has warned that up to 50,000 nurses could leave the UK if the proposed reforms go ahead. Internationally educated nurses make up around 25% of the UK workforce, many from India, and some have fallen victim to visa scams.
Malhotra confirmed that the UK is stepping up efforts to protect migrants from exploitation, working with Indian law enforcement to share intelligence and crack down on cross-border scams.
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