Worries Mount for Sri Lankan Students in the UK

Potential Deportation if Graduate Jobs Aren't Secured

As the UK government eyes tighter immigration controls, international students, particularly Sri Lankans, are facing uncertain futures without graduate-level job offers.

The New Threat: Graduate Jobs and Deportation

In a concerning development for international students in the UK, including many Sri Lankans, the government’s upcoming immigration white paper may introduce stringent measures for graduates who fail to secure a graduate-level position within two years of completing their studies. These changes are part of the government's broader strategy to reduce net migration and ease pressure on the UK's immigration system, which saw a record increase in migrant numbers in the past year.

The proposed policies could significantly impact international students who are already facing challenges in securing employment in a competitive job market. Under the current system, graduates can stay in the UK for up to two years after finishing their studies to look for work, but under the new proposals, they may face deportation if they fail to find a suitable graduate-level job within that timeframe.

Tackling Rising Migration Numbers

The UK government is seeking to curb the influx of overseas workers as part of its broader goal of reducing net migration. With net migration hitting an all-time high of 728,000 in the year leading up to June 2024, the government is determined to bring this figure down to pre-pandemic levels, aiming for between 200,000 and 300,000 annually.

This target includes addressing the number of international students staying in the country after completing their degrees. In an attempt to limit the number of visas issued, the new immigration policies are likely to introduce stricter criteria, making it even harder for international students to remain in the UK after their studies if they don't secure a graduate-level job.

Graduate Job Requirements: A New Salary Threshold

A critical part of the new immigration framework may involve setting a salary threshold for graduate jobs, which could impact many international students, particularly those from Sri Lanka. Although reports suggest that the salary bar for a graduate-level position might be set somewhere between £36,000 and £40,000 annually, government sources have denied that the limit will be that high.

According to experts, this proposed salary range would primarily target industries where salaries plateau after several years, such as in certain public sector jobs, education, and the arts. For Sri Lankan students, many of whom pursue degrees in areas like business, healthcare, and engineering, finding a graduate job that meets these salary requirements could become a significant challenge.

The Domino Effect: Job Offers Pulled by Major Companies

Adding fuel to the fire, several major companies have already pulled job offers to foreign graduates, a clear sign of the tightening job market. HSBC, Deloitte, and KPMG have all made headlines for rescinding offers to international students, further exacerbating the uncertainty faced by Sri Lankan graduates. These job cancellations raise questions about how many Sri Lankan students will be able to secure the coveted graduate-level positions that will allow them to stay in the UK post-graduation.

As top companies scale back their graduate recruitment efforts and adjust their hiring strategies in response to both economic factors and new immigration policies, Sri Lankan students may find themselves struggling to make ends meet, let alone secure employment that meets the government’s criteria for visa extension.

Increased Pressure on International Students and Higher Education

The UK’s higher education sector, one of the country’s last world-leading sectors, is already under pressure. The University and College Union (UCU) has strongly criticized the government's proposed policies, warning that further restrictions on international students will hurt the sector, the economy, and the UK's standing in the world.

UCU General Secretary Jo Grady voiced concerns that these policies, which would limit the ability of international students to stay and work in the UK, come at a time when the sector is already facing immense challenges. “This threat to further restrict international students' ability to live and work in the UK when higher education is already on its knees, is bad for the sector, bad for the economy, and bad for our standing in the world," Grady said. "Higher education is still one of Britain’s last world-leading sectors and after years of Tory decline, Labour should be doing all it can to protect the sector, not engage in these acts of sabotage.”

The Path Forward: Navigating Uncertainty and Protecting Sri Lankan Students

For many Sri Lankan students currently studying in the UK, the uncertainty surrounding these new immigration policies is causing anxiety about their future. They are now faced with the daunting reality of having only two years to secure a graduate-level job, or risk being deported.

In light of these changes, it is essential for both the UK government and higher education institutions to provide clear guidance and support to international students, particularly those from Sri Lanka, to help them transition from student visas to full-time employment. Universities may need to step up their career services to help students secure employment, and stronger partnerships between universities and employers may help bridge the gap between academic achievement and job availability.

The Need for Government Action and International Collaboration

As the government moves forward with its plans, it is crucial that any new policies balance the need to reduce net migration with the vital contribution that international students make to the UK’s economy and society. Rather than making the path to employment more difficult, the government should focus on creating more opportunities for international students to contribute to key sectors, ensuring that the UK remains an attractive destination for global talent.

For Sri Lankan students, staying informed about the evolving immigration landscape and seeking employment opportunities early will be crucial. Now more than ever, it is vital for international students to be proactive in securing graduate-level roles that meet the salary requirements, to ensure they can continue their careers and lives in the UK.

The UK's higher education system has historically been one of the strongest in the world, and Sri Lankan students have benefited greatly from the opportunities it offers. As these policy changes unfold, it will be essential for both students and institutions to adapt, while pushing for policies that continue to support global academic exchange and international student retention.