The applicants from these countries are not required to show any proof of education, financial or English skill requirement test. As India is not on the list, the Indian Students still have to go through the vigorous documentation format. The new list also has countries like Indonesia, Mexico, Thailand, Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, Kuwait, Macau and the Maldives. These changes were made by the UK government to make it easier for students to come to study in the United Kingdom.
“This change demonstrates the continued focus on improving the U.K.’s offer to international students,” said Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes in a statement released to the House of Commons on Friday.
In the education year of 2016-2017, India was the third largest country whose students visas were granted in after US and China. The reports show that there was an increase of 27% last year.
“We welcome Indian students who want to come to the UK to study at our world-leading educational institutions”A UK Home Office spokesperson said. And despite these factors, India failed to make to the list.
An Official source from the Indian Government suggested that the British perspective on Indian students was solely based on the fact that they represent one of the largest group.
“We are concerned about the messaging that is being sent to India — rather than recognising the value that Indian students bring, are we actually reinforcing the message of ‘bogus students’?”
asked Sanam Arora, chairperson of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (U.K.). He further on added that
“It is important to note that this announcement makes no change to the process of application for Indian students, but it is the perception of this message among Indian students that worries us.”Some people also speculate that this happened due to India not signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal migrants in Britain during Mr Modi’s April trip to the United Kingdom. During Theresa May’s visit to India back in 2016, she showed a keen interest in the consideration of an improved visa deal, therefore the exclusion of India from the list is quite shocking.
“I consider this another kick in the teeth for India. It is completely hypocritical that this is announced at the same time that Britain is talking about doing a post-Brexit free trade agreement with India,”said Lord Karan Bilimoria, head of the UK Council for International Student Affairs who thinks that this move is an “insult” to India. After a lot of criticism against this move, the British Prime Minister announced another route of visa for Indians and Non-EU researchers, academics and scientists for working and training in the United Kingdom. Since India haven’t been considered worthy enough to be on the list, it does make the situation easier for Indian students. What do you think about this? Do you think that the new changes show the United Kingdom in a hypocritical light despite the fact that we are the third largest nation to take UK visas? Do you think will the situation improve for the Indian students going to the UK? Let us know in the comments
