Up to 15,000 Pakistani Students Move to UK Annually, Many Seek Permanent Residency
Between 13,000 and 15,000 Pakistani students travel to the United Kingdom each year with long-term settlement in mind, a representative from Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) informed the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis on Friday.
🇬🇧 Migration Trends Highlighted
During a meeting chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, the FO official noted that a significant number of these students remain in the UK after completing their studies, often transitioning into the local workforce and accepting entry-level or minimum-wage jobs to begin their professional lives abroad.
“Each year, 13,000 to 15,000 Pakistani students move to the UK seeking permanent residency,” the official stated.
According to the Foreign Office, an estimated 1.8 million Pakistani nationals currently reside in the UK, contributing to various sectors of the economy.
🗣 Language Barriers Identified
The official also acknowledged that language challenges, particularly limited English proficiency, remain a hurdle for many Pakistanis in the UK, potentially affecting employment opportunities and social integration.
💼 New Developments in UK-Pakistan Relations
Earlier this week, the UK government launched e-visa services for Pakistani students and workers as part of an upgraded border and immigration system. This step is expected to streamline travel and improve application efficiency.
The rollout coincides with the recent UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue Mechanism Agreement, which also led to the creation of the UK-Pakistan Business Advisory Council—a move aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
✈️ Air Travel and Immigration Policy Updates
In another major development, the UK removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List, allowing Pakistani airlines to seek permission for flight operations to the UK once again.
However, a British official recently noted that the UK government is considering tightening visa regulations for students from countries with higher-than-average asylum application rates, including Pakistan. This review comes amid broader efforts to manage net migration levels following the local elections in England, where immigration emerged as a key voter concern.
