UK rules out re-introducing post-study work visa

LONDON: In a big blow to Indian students planning to study in Britain, UK has ruled out re-introducing post-study work visa.
Scotland has called the move “deeply disappointing and damaging.”
The Scottish government has been campaigning for a return of the visa, which allowed international students to remain in Scotland and work after graduation.
A call for the re-introduction of the post-study work visa has seen a massive build up across Scotland.
A statement of support has gathered 257 signatures, including all 25 of Scotland’s publically funded colleges, the sector body Colleges Scotland, Universities Scotland, the representative body for Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions and representatives from 64 businesses.
Scotland’s minister for Europe Humza Yousaf said “I am deeply disappointed and angered that the UK government has ruled out a return of the visa. Scotland has different immigration needs to the rest the UK. There is consensus in Scotland, amongst business, education institutes and across the political spectrum, that we need a return of the post-study route to allow talented students to remain and contribute to the Scottish economy”.
The UK Tier 1 (Post-study Work) visa was abolished by the UK government in April 2012 which has led to a 50% dip in Indian students visiting British universities for higher education.
The number of new entrants to Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from India fell by 63% between 2010-11 and 2013-14.
At present, over 2000 Indian students study across Scotland.