Starting from Winston Churchill’s Conservative government to Rishi Sunak’s one, whenever there has been a Conservative government in Britain, it hasn’t been much good news for the Indian diaspora or the students there. As the prime ministership comes to an end of the Conservative leader Rishi Sunak, the Indian students might have a reason to rejoice his exit as the new Labour government might be a boon for them, as the threat of anti-immigration policies of the Conservatives would no longer create a halt for the students.
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Conservatives’ Anti-Immigration Policies
Rishi Sunak’s party had taken up various steps to cut off immigration to Britain. These include the phasing out of visa dependency for students, and plans to send the immigrants to Rwanda, on a flight, and discontinued their visa for dependents of care workers.
It was an attempt of the Conservatives to “stop the boats”, to stop the process of immigrants entering the UK in small boats without visa after crossing the English Channel. The visa fees were hiked up to 127 GBR for international students from October 2023.
Greater Insights to the Anti-Immigration Policies
- Review of post-study visa:
The UK government’s migration advisory committee (MAC) reviewed the post-study work visa, which allows international students to work in any job for 2 years without sponsorship or a work permit. After criticism from students, the committee recommended continuing the visa, introduced in July 2021, allowing graduates to work freely like British citizens. India has the largest source of graduate students in England across the whole world, which witnessed 68% growth in 2023
- Dependents’ Visa for Students:
The UK government’s decision to stop granting visas for dependents of international students (except research students) led to a significant decline: 80% fewer dependents and over 26,000 fewer student visa applications between January-March 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
- Migrant Care Workers:
As of March 11, 2024, migrant care workers and international students weren’t authorized to bring their families to the UK, and students can no longer get a work visa before completing their academics.
- Rwanda Plan
The UK plans to deport illegal immigrants to Rwanda, a small country in Central Africa, for processing, asylum, and resettlement, under an agreement between the two countries.
Rishi Sunak announced in April tha flights to Rwanda will start within 10-12 weeks, but Reuters reported that none of them happened before the elections. 3.6 crores Indians visited the UK in a single day, making UK India’s go-to platform for General Election Results.
Therefore, the end of Sunak’s government will bring slight relief for the Indian diaspora as the new Labour government under Keir Steiner have aspired for greater ties with India, which will help the nations to flourish their relations.
India-UK Relations: How do they look?
India-UK relations are grounded in a rich historical context and have evolved into a multifaceted partnership. Historically linked through colonial ties, the relationship has matured into one of mutual respect and cooperation across various spheres. Economically, the UK is one of India’s largest trading partners, with significant bilateral trade and investment flows. Both nations are keen on expanding this economic partnership, highlighted by ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement.
Culturally, the extensive Indian diaspora in the UK have served as a vibrant bridge between the two nations, fostering deeper people-to-people connections. Educational collaborations are robust, with numerous Indian students pursuing higher education in the UK, while academic partnerships and research collaborations continue to flourish.
Politically, India and the UK have engaged in regular high-level dialogues and collaborate on international platforms, addressing global issues such as climate change, counterterrorism, and sustainable development. Strategic ties have strengthened, particularly in defense and security, with joint military exercises and defense technology cooperation.
In recent years, both countries have also emphasized innovation and technology, exploring collaborations in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and space technology. The shared values of democracy, rule of law, and a commitment to a rules-based international order further solidify the partnership, making India-UK relations a cornerstone of each country’s foreign policy framework.
