The United Kingdom has implemented a policy that prohibits foreign students from bringing their family members into the country.
Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, introduced this ban as part of efforts to reduce net migration.
Starting from January 2024, all foreign students, except those enrolled in postgraduate research programs, will be unable to bring their spouses, children, or parents to the UK. Currently, the UK allows dependents to accompany individuals with valid student visas, such as spouses or parents.
Braverman expressed concern over an “unexpected” increase in the number of dependents and emphasized that economic benefits brought by students should not come at the expense of the Conservative Party’s commitment to immigration reduction.
Additionally, there will be a review of the financial requirements for students and dependents, as well as a crackdown on unscrupulous education agents who prioritize immigration over education, according to Sky News.
The ban will affect master’s students and some other postgraduate students, excluding PhD students who are highly skilled and undertake courses lasting between 3 to 5 years.
If implemented, this policy change will impact many Nigerian students aspiring to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK, as they constituted the largest increase in the number of dependents accompanying individuals with study visas in 2022.
