Student immigration restrictions will damage UK economy, universities say

With a third fewer students enrolling, university leaders accuse ministers of wanting to ‘diminish our success’

Immigration restrictions imposed on international students threaten to damage the UK economy, according to university leaders, with the number enrolling from overseas falling by a third.

Universities UK (UUK), which represents mainstream universities and colleges, said the government’s new curbs, coupled with steep visa fee increases and threats to cut back on graduate work entitlements, are having a negative impact on the UK as a study destination.