The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) have said that the Immigration Bill announced this morning by the Prime Minister threatens to disrupt the delicate balance between reducing reliance on immigration and driving economic growth, risking the UK’s position as a global leader in education, research and innovation.
Rosalind Gill, Head of Policy at NCUB, commented: “While the Bill makes notable strides in recognising the need for skilled overseas talent and aligning the UK’s migration system to its Industrial Strategy, its impact on universities and companies relying on top global talent cannot be overlooked. We face significant change that threatens both higher education and the investment of many of the UK’s most successful businesses.”
“Businesses describe the UK’s universities as one of our greatest strategic assets and reasons to invest here. To drive long-term economic growth, the UK must foster a robust, diverse, and globally connected university sector, alongside creating an environment for innovative companies to flourish. The Immigration Bill poses major risks to this vision.”
“It’s further restrictions on Graduate Visas, and a new international student levy, will jeopardise the sustainability and global connectivity of UK universities. International students are significant contributors to the UK, fuelling research, innovation, and global partnerships. The Bill’s curbs will diminish our competitiveness in the global education market, undermining the vital contributions that universities make to both the economy and national prosperity.”
“Recent changes to international student dependent visas have already led to an 85% reduction in issued visas and a significant decrease in international fee income, estimated at £1.1bn over two years. Further restrictions in this space now – without amendments to the university funding model – just undermine the financial stability of universities and their ability to contribute to economic growth.”
Coming reforms could also threaten business employment of top international talent – via new requirements for additional investment, which will land as a double blow for businesses amid the forthcoming Growth and Skills levy.
Gill added: “The UK’s most R&D-driven and innovative companies and universities thrive by attracting top global talent—researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. This is a testament to our country’s global appeal. However, the multifaceted impacts of the Bill could deter talent. There are also growing concerns that key provisions in the Immigration Bill could impose a stealth tax on our most innovative businesses, undermining the UK’s attractiveness as a hub for new companies and investment.”
