The UK's Indo-Pacific Minister, Seema Malhotra, defended immigration reforms during her recent visit to India, where she expressed alarm over the growing number of international students applying for asylum after completing their studies.
Under the proposed changes, some migrants could face prolonged wait times of up to 20 years for permanent residency, while the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain might extend from five to ten years. These changes could affect approximately 2.6 million individuals who arrived in the UK since 2021. While the Conservative government welcomed these measures, they attracted criticism from certain Labour MPs.
Malhotra emphasized that such reforms align with global practices aimed at preventing immigration system abuse, pointing out that around 16,000 international students sought asylum last year alone, which she labeled as a misuse of legal migration pathways.
As of June 2025, a further 14,800 students have sought asylum, with the figures continually rising, although the exact number of Indian nationals among them remains unspecified. We've seen visa abuse in the case of legal routes, Malhotra stated, noting that this undermines public trust and the integrity of the immigration system.
India continues to be a primary source of international students for the UK, though the number of Indian students reduced by 11% this year as stricter immigration regulations took effect. This decline raises concerns among UK universities heavily reliant on foreign student enrollment.
Malhotra reassured that the UK is still open to Indian learners while working to ensure their legitimacy as students. The UK-India free trade agreement is set to bolster educational collaborations, with nine UK universities planning to establish campuses across India. However, the backdrop of these discussions is a domestic political climate increasingly wary of immigration.
Malhotra refuted claims that the UK is seeking deeper trade while closing the door on Indian professionals, citing nearly half a million visas issued last year across various categories. She outlined a shift towards a contribution-based immigration system to enhance economic integration.
Despite the proposed immigration overhaul receiving mixed feedback, Malhotra mentioned expansions in routes for skilled professionals, particularly in healthcare, amid fears that stringent changes could drive away valuable nursing staff, many of whom are from India.
Furthermore, she emphasized the need for collaboration with Indian law enforcement to tackle exploitation in visa processes, which has seen many individuals become victims of fraudulent schemes.
