UK tightens student visa norms, Indians to be hit

London: A week after the UK suspended acceptance of student visa applications in northern India, British home minister Alan Johnson announced on Sunday a crackdown to curb abuse of the systema step which could significantly affect Indians.

Johnson also warned that by 2011, the UK will have the most sophisticated system in the world to check people not just coming into the country but to check that they have left as well.

The new measures stipulate that successful applicants will have to speak English to a level only below GCSE (or 11-year school) standard which many in Indian medium schools do not attain. Also, students in non-degree courses will be allowed to work for only 10 hours a week, instead of 20 as now.

More, those on courses lasting under six months will not be allowed to bring dependents, while dependents of students in courses below degree level will not be allowed to work. Some previous restrictions were also spelled out. For nondegree courses, visas will be issued only if the institutions are on a new register called Highly Trusted Sponsors List. Britain has closed down 200 bogus colleges, many of which had entertained Indian students.

Turning The Screws

- UK raises English bar. Successful applicants need to speak intermediate-level English, as
  opposed to beginners level now

- Weekly work hours for students in non-degree courses halved to 10

- Those doing courses less than 6 months cant bring dependents. Family of non-degree course
  students cant work

- Visas for non-degree courses only if college is on Highly Trusted Sponsors List