The UK government’s announcement of tougher immigration rules has stirred anxiety and introspection among foreign workers, especially Indians, many of whom moved to the UK in pursuit of better opportunities in education and employment. In a major policy shift, Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared an end to what he termed a “squalid chapter” and a “failed experiment in open borders,” as the UK tightens its visa regime.
Among the new measures is a return to stricter qualification criteria for skilled worker visas. Under the revised policy, most overseas workers will now need a degree-level qualification (RQF6), undoing the Boris Johnson-era relaxation that allowed A-level equivalent (RQF3) applicants. While some sectors facing acute labor shortages may still benefit from reduced qualification thresholds on a temporary basis, the overarching message is clear: entry to the UK job market is becoming significantly more restrictive.
Against this backdrop, a social media post by a UK-based Indian national has gone viral. He is currently employed as a teaching assistant, shared their internal conflict over whether to stay in the UK or return to India to pursue a more fulfilling career in writing and marketing.
The post says, “I’m in a bit of a dilemma and could really use some outside perspectives. My passion is writing, and I’d love to work in marketing or copywriting. The problem is, I haven’t been able to break into that field here yet, and the job market is really tough—especially with the new visa salary thresholds making sponsorships almost impossible.”
He also revealed plans to return to India in six months to get married, weighing the financial benefit of staying in the UK—saving around £500 a month—against the emotional and professional advantages of returning home. “If I go back, I’d finally have the time and mental space to focus on writing my book, which I want to publish this year, and possibly start building a freelance portfolio in writing or marketing,” the post continued. The prospect of staying apart from their partner for visa-related reasons also complicates the decision. “If my wife tries to come to the UK on a tourist visa, she won’t have access to healthcare or be allowed to work, which makes the idea of staying apart even harder.”
“How long you can try for before going back is a tough question!”
Internet had a lot of suggestions and tips for the NRI. A user said, What happens after your visa expires in 13 months? If you don’t get a job that sponsors won’t you have to go back any way? Getting your gf/wife over only makes sense if you have a work visa. Otherwise she can only stay for six months at a time and can’t work. Unless you’re able to get a job the sponsors it makes more sense to go back. How long you can try for before going back is a tough question!.” Another added, “AI can do your dream job in a couple of years, and you plan to take that as a career.” Meanwhile, a netizen noted, “My passion is writing, and I’d love to work in marketing or copywriting. Copywriting is a horrible career though. As a former CMO, I advise people to not pick such professions. A more formal, PMM style work is a much better thing to do.”