Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
During a recent visit to India, Seema Malhotra, the UK's Indo-Pacific Minister, defended the government's latest immigration initiatives, emphasizing the necessity of curbing abuse of legal migration pathways. These proposals, which could see the permanent settlement wait time extend to 20 years and the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain increase from five to ten years, are designed to better manage migrant flows and uphold the integrity of the immigration system.
Malhotra voiced concerns regarding the uptick in international students seeking asylum following their studies. Reports indicate that approximately 16,000 foreign students sought asylum in the UK last year, with nearly 15,000 requesting it in the first half of 2025. She highlighted that this trend suggests a misuse of lawful migration routes, undermining public trust in the immigration framework.
While India remains one of the largest contributors of international students to the UK, there has been an 11% drop in the number of Indian students traveling to the UK compared to last year, attributed in part to stricter immigration regulations. This decline raises concerns for UK universities that heavily depend on foreign student fees. Malhotra reassured stakeholders that the UK continues to embrace sincere international students, including those from India, and is collaborating with universities to verify students’ true intentions.
In July 2025, the UK and India formalized a free trade agreement (FTA) projected to enhance the UK’s economy by £4.8 billion annually and escalate trade between the two nations by £25.5 billion. Notably, the FTA allows nine UK universities to establish campuses throughout India. Liverpool University is set to inaugurate a campus in Bengaluru in 2026 as a part of this venture.
Despite these initiatives, the UK government is shifting towards a ‘contribution-based’ immigration model, focusing on migrants’ economic contributions rather than their duration of stay. This shift is part of a broader strategy to reinforce border controls and streamline immigration management.
Malhotra also addressed worries about how the new immigration policies could affect sectors such as healthcare, which rely on international staff. The government aims to broaden immigration avenues for skilled workers, including nurses and caregivers, many originating from India. However, anxiety persists among nursing professionals, with surveys indicating that up to 50,000 nurses might exit the UK if the new regulations are implemented.
Moreover, the UK is amplifying efforts to shield migrants from visa fraud and exploitation. Malhotra underscored the ongoing collaboration with Indian law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and combat cross-border visa scams.
In summary, the UK government's strategy seeks to tightly control immigration while supporting genuine migrants, particularly skilled labor, and simultaneously fostering robust relations with India through trade and educational collaborations.
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