UK’s Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra has defended her government’s new immigration proposals while visiting India.
She said the changes are needed to stop the rising number of international students who apply for asylum after completing their studies.
Malhotra explained that the UK still welcomes students and migrants who follow the rules. She said the reforms are “in line with what countries around the world do” to stop the abuse of immigration systems.
She said that around 16,000 foreign students applied for asylum in the UK last year after finishing their courses, and another 14,800 did so by June 2025. She said this shows abuse of legal migration routes.
In her words, “We’ve seen visa abuse in the case of legal routes, where people have gone legally and then sought to overstay when their visas weren’t extended,” as reported by BBC.
She also warned, “If you see that level of abuse, it undermines your immigration system. It undermines public confidence, and the fairness and control people expect.”
As part of the new measures, some migrants could have to wait up to 20 years before they can settle permanently in the UK. The qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain will also increase from five to 10 years.
These proposals will affect around 2.6 million people who arrived in the UK since 2021. The plans have faced some criticism from Labour MPs, although Conservatives have responded more cautiously.
Impact on Indian students
As reported by BBC, India remains one of the UK’s biggest sources of international students, but the number of Indian students going to the UK has fallen by 11 percent from last year due to the tougher rules.
UK universities are worried because they rely heavily on international students and are already under financial strain. Malhotra said Britain still “very much welcomes” Indian students and is working with universities to make sure all applicants are genuine.
Government says measures are working
As stated by UK government on its official website, tougher screening has already helped bring down student asylum claims. Credibility interviews and stronger study checks have increased visa refusals and contributed to a 10 percent drop in asylum claims from students.
Asylum applications from people on work, study, and visitor visas had more than tripled under the previous government and made up 37% of all claims by June 2025, with international students forming the largest group.
To further reduce abuse, the government has begun sending direct messages to students reminding them when their visas are ending.
These alerts warn that “claims without merit will be swiftly and robustly refused, and those without a legal right to remain in the UK must leave or face removal,” as stated on its official website.
The UK government says these reforms will protect the fairness and integrity of the immigration system while still allowing genuine students and skilled workers to come to the country.