International Graduates Scheme to be replaced

Last year on 28 March 2007 the United Kingdom announced a new program called the International Graduates Scheme (IGS). The scheme enable international students to stay in the UK for a year to work after completing their studies.

Eligible persons were those who successflly complete either their degree, post graduate certificate, postgraduate diploma, masters or doctoral studies in the UK.

The news is that things will change again. The scheme will revolve yet again. The name will now be Post-Study Work and it will be for two years!

The Post-Study Work sub-category will replace the International Graduates Scheme and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme. It is a non-renewable two-year period after which participants are expected to transfer to another immigration category.

Most Post-Study Work migrants are expected to switch from the Student category from within the UK, in which case the Maintenance test will only require the migrant to show they have £800 in funds plus additional funds for dependants.

For a migrant to stay in the UK after the 2 years post-study work period, they must apply for and meet the criteria of another immigration scheme, such as the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, Work Permits, Innovator, Persons seeking to establish themselves in a business, or Student leave.

"International students bring many benefits to the UK. After the United States, the UK is the country which attracts the most international students and we need to build on this enviable position," Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, Bill Rammell was quoted as saying last year.

"Today's changes will help ensure Britain continues to attract students who contribute so much to the UK's economic and cultural life. Allowing them to work in the UK for a year will provide them with valuable work experience to augment the knowledge and skills they have acquired at our universities and colleges. It will also allow UK employers to benefit from skilled people who have gained UK qualifications and have experience of living in the UK.

"Higher Education Institutions have told us that a staying on scheme which is available to all graduates irrespective of subject of study will enhance the UK's attraction as a study destination in what has become an intensely competitive international student market. The new scheme underlines the importance which the Government attaches to maintaining and enhancing the UK's status as a leading exporter of higher education."

According to Immigration Minister Liam Byrne, international students contribute over £3 billion a year to the UK economy. He added that they "should be given an opportunity to use their skills to contribute to Britain's cultural and economic prosperity."

Rambler knows that the main aim of this scheme is to keep highly skilled gradutes in the UK. At the end of the day the UK will remain the winner in skilled human resources. Few graduates will find their way back to their home countries.

It is ironic that a country which has millions of highly skilled people continues to seek ways of retaining even many more people. On the other hand countries which have very few skilled people do not bother at all to maintain the few. Pathetic. Very verrrry pathetic.

How Rambler wished his government and politicians kept Malawi afloat by continuously reviewing policies to meet the needs of an ever changing society just as their UK counterparts do.