UK's Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra has defended her government's immigration proposals during a visit to India, while expressing concern about a rise in foreign students seeking asylum at the end of their studies.
Under the new plans, some migrants could have to wait up to 20 years before they can settle permanently in the UK, while the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain will be extended from five to 10 years. These proposals will apply to an estimated 2.6 million people who arrived in the country since 2021, drawing criticism from some quarters, including Labour MPs, though the Conservatives have cautiously welcomed the measures.
Malhotra emphasized that the reforms are aligned with global practices to curb immigration system abuse and reiterated the importance of welcoming those who arrive legally. She noted that around 16,000 international students applied for asylum in the UK last year after completing their courses, which she cited as evidence of the abuse of legal migration routes. This year, as of June 2025, an additional 14,800 students sought asylum.
India remains a significant source of international students for the UK, although numbers have fallen by 11% from last year due to tougher immigration rules, raising concerns among UK universities reliant on foreign students. While the UK government still welcomes Indian students, it is collaborating with universities to ensure the integrity of student admission. The recently finalized free trade agreement between the UK and India is also expected to open local campuses and enhance educational collaboration, despite the domestic political landscape hardening around migration issues.
Overall, while the UK government is tightening immigration controls to protect its system, it faces pressure to balance these measures with economic demands and international collaboration.
Under the new plans, some migrants could have to wait up to 20 years before they can settle permanently in the UK, while the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain will be extended from five to 10 years. These proposals will apply to an estimated 2.6 million people who arrived in the country since 2021, drawing criticism from some quarters, including Labour MPs, though the Conservatives have cautiously welcomed the measures.
Malhotra emphasized that the reforms are aligned with global practices to curb immigration system abuse and reiterated the importance of welcoming those who arrive legally. She noted that around 16,000 international students applied for asylum in the UK last year after completing their courses, which she cited as evidence of the abuse of legal migration routes. This year, as of June 2025, an additional 14,800 students sought asylum.
India remains a significant source of international students for the UK, although numbers have fallen by 11% from last year due to tougher immigration rules, raising concerns among UK universities reliant on foreign students. While the UK government still welcomes Indian students, it is collaborating with universities to ensure the integrity of student admission. The recently finalized free trade agreement between the UK and India is also expected to open local campuses and enhance educational collaboration, despite the domestic political landscape hardening around migration issues.
Overall, while the UK government is tightening immigration controls to protect its system, it faces pressure to balance these measures with economic demands and international collaboration.
