Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment he has made of the effects of the reduction in international student visas issued to students from Pakistan and India from 2013 to 2014 on the higher education sector and the wider economy.

Government departments, the British Council and the higher education sector are working together to ensure prospective overseas students understand all the benefits which the present visa rules offer them, including the current visa opportunities for working in the UK after they graduate.

India in particular remains a priority country for greater engagement as evidenced by my Rt. Hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister’s recent visit; my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills’ recent visit; and my planned visit in November.