Graduate Route revealed as key factor in UK-India relations

As the UK and India negotiate a free trade agreement, the future of the UK Graduate Route has emerged as a crucial factor in bilateral relations between the two nations.

Simona Campbell, Vice President of University Relations at Leap, stated:

“I think it speaks as much to sentiment as it does to practicalities. Nobody wants to feel like a loser coming out of it. If you take the Graduate Route away, India, and Indians, immediately feel like they've lost something and are going into these conversations feeling like already on the losing side that now needs to be recovered.”

The discussion unfolded at The PIE Live Europe conference in London, where NISAU founder Sanam Arora led a panel to explore the potential repercussions of altering the Graduate Route, particularly for Indian students and India-UK relations.

Suspending the Graduate Visa would be a ‘nuclear option’

Former universities minister Jo Johnson cautioned against drastic measures, labelling the complete suspension of the route as a “nuclear option.”

Labour MP Virendra Sharma stressed Labour's commitment to an attractive post-study work offering for international students, and expressed concern for the negative impact that would occur should the route be suspended.

Sharma claims he does not want a repeat of history (referring to the 2011 suspension of the Graduate Visa) that could tarnish the reputation of the UK as a study destination.

“If in case there is no such commitment coming out, there are allies like myself and many others who will be fighting for the rights. We see the benefit of it,” he said.

Sanam Arora echoed Sharma's sentiments, urging for collective action to address concerns around education recruitment and the misrepresentation of UK universities by some agents.

Sharma highlighted the evolving trend of Indian students returning home after gaining experience in the UK, becoming ambassadors for UK universities in India, signalling a new phase in UK-India educational ties.

The Migration Advisory Committee has until May 14 to present its findings of its review of the Graduate Review

If you are interested in letting your property to students, accommodationforstudents.com is the no.1 student accommodation service in the UK.