Over 13,000 Pakistani Students Move to the UK Annually Seeking Permanent Residency

Between 13,000 and 15,000 Pakistani students travel to the United Kingdom each year with the intention of settling there permanently, a representative from the Foreign Office (FO) informed the Senate on Friday.

The revelation came during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada. According to the FO official, these students often integrate into the British workforce shortly after completing their studies—frequently accepting minimum wage jobs as they pursue permanent residency.

The FO further noted that many students choose not to return to Pakistan, opting instead to establish their careers and lives in the UK. An estimated 1.8 million Pakistani nationals currently reside in the United Kingdom.

However, the official highlighted that limited English proficiency remains a key challenge for many Pakistani citizens living in the UK, particularly in terms of workforce integration and social mobility.

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Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Aircraft Until August 24

Earlier this week, the UK introduced e-visas for Pakistani students and workers under its revamped immigration protocols. This follows the signing of the UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue Mechanism Agreement and the establishment of the UK-Pakistan Business Advisory Council aimed at strengthening bilateral trade relations.

In another significant development, the UK removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List, allowing Pakistani airlines to apply for flight operations to the UK.

Meanwhile, concerns over net migration in the UK continue to grow. In May, a British official mentioned that the government is considering visa restrictions on students from countries like Pakistan, which are perceived to have higher asylum application rates. This proposal followed local election outcomes in England, where the ruling Labour Party faced criticism over its immigration policies.