The United Kingdom’s Boris Johnson-led government on Wednesday announced the reintroduction of the two-year post-study work visa. The visa had been scrapped by former Prime Minister Therea May in 2012, which had resulted in a major drop in the number of Indian students going to the UK.
Wednesday’s announcement means that all international students who will be studying in the UK in the 2020-2021 academic year and complete an undergraduate or postgraduate programme, will be entitled to stay on in the country to work.
Alistair Jarvis, chief executive of Universities UK, hailed the announcement, tweeting, “Very positive news for students, universities, employers and local communities. Government has announced a 2 year post study work visa for international students. For too long the lack of post-study work opportunities has held back UK universities.”
Theresa May had scrapped the visa in April 2012, when she was home secretary as it was felt that it was too generous. However, Johnson had announced an easing of rules as the UK prepares for a post-Brexit scenario.
