As part of its efforts to lower net migration, the United Kingdom has implemented a policy that prohibits foreign students from bringing their family members into the country. Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, introduced this ban in order to curb the influx of immigrants.
Starting from January 2024, all foreign students, except those enrolled in postgraduate research programs, will be prohibited from bringing their spouses, children, or parents to the UK.
Previously, the UK allowed dependents to accompany their spouses or parents who held a valid student visa. However, in light of what Braverman described as an “unexpected” increase in the number of dependents, the government decided to prioritize its commitment to reduce immigration over the economic benefits brought by students.
Sky news reported that, “There will also be a review of the maintenance requirement for students and dependents and a crackdown on ‘unscrupulous’ education agents who make use of inappropriate applications to sell immigration, not education.”
All master’s students and certain other post-graduates will be impacted by the ban, excluding PhD students who possess advanced skills and are enrolled in programs lasting between 3 to 5 years. If put into action, this stricter policy will have a significant impact on Nigerian students aspiring to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK, as they constituted the largest increase in the number of dependents accompanying individuals with study visas in 2022.
