The United Kingdom (UK) is one of the top places for Malaysians to further their studies, given the reputation of the educational institutions there.
Most of the time, Malaysians and other international students who study in the UK for a long time would also bring their dependents such as spouses and children with them, something made possible by the country’s student visa privileges.
However, that won’t be the case for long as the country has recently announced a change to the student visa rules that will make international students who come to study in the UK no longer able to bring family with them except under specific circumstances.
In an announcement at the official UK government website, it was revealed that the changes will be implemented starting January 2024 and affect all international students, including those from Malaysia.
The changes are being introduced because the UK government wants to reduce immigration numbers in the country.
The only exception to the change is overseas students on courses designated as research programmes such as PhD students or research-led masters courses.
Besides that, the UK government is also removing the ability for international students to switch out of the student route and into work routes before they finish their studies.
Furthermore, they will also be a review of the maintenance requirement for students and dependents, as well as a crackdown on “unscrupulous” education providers who allegedly “sell immigration, not education”.
So, what do you guys think of these changes by the UK government? Would this affect you or any of your friends or families that are planning to study in the country?
Share your thoughts with us and stories with us in the comments!
Also read: International Student Calls Out M’sian Public Uni For Mishandling His Visa, Causing Him To Overstay
