Your report “Ministries clash over reforms to graduate visas” (April 9) highlights infighting by UK government officials over potential reforms to the graduate visa.
You rightly point out that an investigation by the Migration Advisory Committee found that the graduate visa route was not being abused, and it was categorical that the scheme should remain in place. The data speaks for itself. Figures from the Higher Education Policy Institute show one cohort of international students contribute a net £37.4bn to the economy over the course of their studies. This equates to almost £100,000 in net benefit per student.
Across the world, countries are making huge efforts to attract international students due to the immense proven economic value that they bring. The graduate visa needs to be kept in its current form. This is vital for the UK’s economic success.
James Pitman
Brighton, East Sussex, UK
