Tuesday 14 May 2024

Karim Fatehi MBE, Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We welcome the findings of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report published this morning which found no evidence of widespread abuse of the UK’s graduate visa route. In London alone, international students bring approximately £9.59 billion of net economic gain each year and so we are greatly encouraged by the MAC’s recommendation that the route should remain as it is.

“International students make exceptionally high value contributions to the UK both economically and culturally, injecting billions in revenue and enhancing cultural diversity. It is imperative that the UK remains welcoming and attractive to graduates so that we continue to attract the best talent from around the world in order to foster innovation, competitiveness and growth.

 “Furthermore, at a time when skills gaps are crippling the workforce, the Government must do everything in its power to alleviate this pressure on businesses. This includes enriching the UK’s academic environment so there are workers to fill these shortages post-graduation.

“We call on the Government to put our higher education system first and recognise that graduate visas are a vital component of the UK’s offering to international students who should be encouraged at every opportunity.”

ENDS