(Daily Point) — United Kingdom (UK) Home Secretary James Cleverly said that international students may be using the country’s graduate route visa as a cheap way of getting work visas.

According to  The Guardian, the UK’s Home Secretary has expressed concerns about the potential misuse of the country’s graduate route visa by international students, suggesting that some may be using it as a means to obtain work visas rather than for educational purposes. Cleverly has requested a review of the graduate route visa from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to ensure it is not being abused.

Under the current system, international students can remain in the UK for at least two years after graduation without a job offer from a UK employer, provided they have a graduate visa. Cleverly’s letter to the MAC emphasized the need to prevent immigration abuse or visa exploitation, which could harm the reputation of UK universities.

Cleverly cited an increase in the proportion of international students enrolled at lower tariff institutions, reaching 32% in 2021/22, according to a report from MAC. He raised concerns about whether some students are using these courses as a pathway to work in the UK long-term.

In addition to examining potential misuse, the review requested by Cleverly will analyze statistics and trends regarding international students obtaining study visas and subsequently entering the UK job market through the graduate route. The Home Secretary has asked for the review to be completed by May 14.

It’s worth noting that the UK government previously announced in May 2023 that postgraduate master students would no longer be allowed to bring dependents to the country.