UNIVERSITIES have warned against government proposals to limit the number of relatives international students can bring to Britain. 

Cabinet Office minister Nadhim Zahawi and Home Secretary Suella Braverman are said to be discussing plans to cut the number of dependants, including children, that international students can bring to Britain, according to reports. 

Ms Braverman has previously suggested that the number of international students and dependants are too high and has accused families of “piggybacking” onto student visas. 

But Universities UK chief executive Vivienne Stern warned that the proposals would drive students to study elsewhere and risks losing their “huge contribution to research and the skilled economy, at a time when we need it most.

“Far from being a free pass, dependants are subject to the same vigorous visa checks, including proof of funds to support themselves — and they all pay the NHS health surcharge up front.”

In September 2021, the Higher Education Policy Institute reported that international students are worth £29 billion to the British economy.

Migrant rights campaigners have also criticised the plans, describing the proposed cap as “another escalation of the hostile environment.” 

Migrant Voice director Nazek Ramadan said: “International students and their families already face a lengthy, expensive process to move to Britain, which includes proof of sufficient funds and paying for the NHS surcharge upfront.

“Aside from being unfair and unnecessary, any further barrier to coming here as a student or a dependant will make Britain a less attractive country to pursue higher education in. 

“This is an attack on yet another category of migrants made in order to support this toxic narrative against migration.”