UK Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra has raised alarms about the abuse of the UK’s visa system, citing a significant surge in asylum claims from international students after completing their studies, while defending the government’s proposed immigration reforms.
In comments made during a visit to Chennai, India, Malhotra expressed concern over the rising number of foreign students seeking asylum in the UK upon the expiration of their visas. She emphasized that this trend represents a misuse of legal migration pathways and undermines the integrity of the immigration system. The minister’s remarks come as the UK government introduces sweeping reforms aimed at tightening border control and addressing public anxieties over migration.
The proposed changes include extending the waiting period for permanent settlement to up to 20 years for some migrants, with the standard qualifying time for indefinite leave to remain increased from five to ten years. These measures are projected to affect approximately 2.6 million individuals who have entered the UK since 2021. Malhotra defended the reforms as necessary to align with international standards and prevent abuse, while still welcoming those who migrate through proper channels.
Supporting her concerns, Malhotra cited Home Office figures showing that 16,000 international students applied for asylum in the UK last year, with an additional 14,800 claims recorded in the first six months of 2025. She argued that such numbers indicate a pattern of exploitation where individuals use student visas as a backdoor to remain in the country illegally. This, she stated, erodes public trust and the fairness expected in immigration management.
The issue has significant implications for UK universities, which rely heavily on tuition fees from international students. India, historically a top source country, has seen an 11% decline in student arrivals due to the stricter rules, exacerbating financial pressures on educational institutions. Malhotra acknowledged these challenges but stressed the importance of verifying that students are genuine and not exploiting the system for immigration purposes.
Amid these domestic concerns, the UK continues to pursue deeper ties with India through a recently signed free trade agreement, which is expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion. As part of this partnership, nine UK universities have been approved to set up campuses in India, with Liverpool University announcing a Bengaluru campus for 2026. Malhotra highlighted these initiatives as evidence of the UK’s commitment to fostering educational exchange without compromising immigration controls.
However, the proposed immigration reforms have drawn criticism from opposition figures and stakeholders. Some Labour MPs and members of the House of Lords have warned that the changes could hinder recruitment in critical sectors like healthcare and social care, where a quarter of the nursing workforce is internationally educated. A Royal College of Nursing survey suggested that up to 50,000 nurses might leave the UK if the proposals are enacted, potentially worsening staff shortages.
Looking ahead, Malhotra outlined a shift towards a contribution-based immigration system, where long-term stay privileges would depend on an individual’s economic impact rather than mere residency duration. She also mentioned enhanced efforts to combat visa fraud, including collaboration with Indian authorities to dismantle scam networks that prey on migrants. As consultations on the reforms proceed, the government aims to balance economic needs with public demand for controlled borders, navigating a complex political landscape shaped by migration debates.
