Migrant graduates entering the UK via the Graduate Route will soon encounter a significant policy shift as the government introduces mandatory annual English proficiency tests. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy aimed at combatting potential labour exploitation of international students, who are granted permission to work in the UK for two years post-graduation under this scheme.
The proposed changes seek to tighten regulations surrounding the Graduate Route program; which has faced criticism amid reports of international students being enticed away from their studies to accept low-paying jobs below the minimum wage. Alongside the introduction of yearly English tests, the government plans to implement stricter oversight of universities and colleges, potentially impacting their ability to admit international students should they demonstrate high dropout rates.
