The Migration Advisory Committee has today published its ‘Rapid Review of the Graduate Route‘. The report concludes there is no evidence of significant abuse of the Graduate route, that it broadly has achieved – and continues to achieve – the government’s own objectives, including those set out in the Government’s International Education Strategy.
Responding to the Review Dr Peter O’Brien, Executive Director of Yorkshire Universities, said:
“Yorkshire Universities (YU) welcomes the conclusion of The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) rapid review of the UK Graduate Route Visa, and the Committee’s findings that there is no evidence of widespread abuse, and that the two-year Visa should remain.
We are also pleased that the review rebuffed suggestions that the Graduate Route is undermining the integrity and quality of the UK higher education system – but, instead, found it is helping universities expand the range of courses offered while contributing to overall finances.
As outlined in our new Statement on International Higher Education, in 2021/22, just under 50,000 international students enrolled at higher education providers in Yorkshire. Statistics show that this resulted in a net economic benefit to Yorkshire of approximately £3 billion.
It is imperative the Government acts on the evidence and recommendation found in the review, and that it leaves the Graduate Visa in place. YU’s Statement on International Higher Education indicated that universities in the region are ready to work with business and industry to strengthen the practical application of the Graduate Route. It is vital that there is policy consistency and coherence if the UK is to remain competitive, globally, in being a key location for international students and for maintaining and increasing the contribution of international higher education as a key export sector.”
