Yorkshire Universities responds to the Government’s Statement on the Graduate Route Visa

23 May 2024

The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, and Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, have today set out the Government’s response to the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) ‘Rapid Review of the Graduate Route Visa’. The Graduate Route Visa is to be retained, albeit with new measures introduced, and the Visa kept under review.

Responding to the statement, Dr Peter O’Brien, Executive Director of Yorkshire Universities, said:

“Yorkshire Universities (YU) welcomes confirmation that the UK Graduate Route Visa will remain in place. This follows all twelve YU Board members contributing towards a joint letter, to the PM, by North of England university leaders, calling on the Government to accept the findings of the MAC, and retain the Visa.

Removing the Graduate Route in full would be detrimental for higher education, especially students and staff, and it would damage local and regional economies.

YU’s recent Statement on International Higher Education, which we shared directly with the MAC, illustrated the valuable contribution of international students and graduates to Yorkshire. We also indicated that our members are ready to work with business and industry, and with Government, to improve the practical application of the Graduate Route. Following today’s announcement, we need to ensure that the UK can attract and retain global talent and investment.”