Rishi Sunak mulls restrictions on foreign students to curb migration: Report

Rishi Sunak: Rishi Sunak's spokesman said the idea was being looked at after official figures showed net migration to the UK had climbed to a record half a million.

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak is considering curbs on foreign students taking "low quality" degrees and bringing dependents into the country, BBC reported quoting Downing Street said. Rishi Sunak's spokesman said the idea was being looked at after official figures showed net migration to the UK had climbed to a record half a million.

Rishi Sunak: Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is seen. (AFP)

The report said that the spokesman declined to define a "low quality" degree or to "pre-empt" any policy decisions.

Earlier, The Times reported that Rishi Sunak had plans to bring down the number of foreign students. This could include restricting admissions to top universities, as well as restricting visas for students' dependents.

UK home secretary Suella Braverman had previously complained about foreign students "bringing in family members who can piggyback onto their student visa" and "propping up, frankly, substandard courses in inadequate institutions".

Meanwhile, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt last week insisted immigration was required to boost growth, adding that there had to be "a long-term plan if we're going to bring down migration in a way that doesn't harm the economy".

He further said migration would be needed "for the years ahead - that will be very important for the economy".

The National Union of Students (NUS) said it would be "laughable" if the government made it harder for international students to study in the UK, given the country's skills shortage, accusing ministers of "starving" higher education of funds, while encouraging the exploitation of foreign students as "cash cows through astronomical fees and violent visa regimes".