The Mayor of London, Mr Sadiq Khan, has urged the UK Government to ease restrictions on international students, warning that a decline would harm the economy.
Mr Khan cautioned that proposals to “pull up the drawbridge to international students” would damage London and the UK’s economy.
Speaking in Accra during his five-day trade mission to Africa, he described such policies as a “mistake” that would reduce international student numbers.
“Closing our country to global talent would be an act of immense economic self-harm – one that would slow down growth and leave working people in Britain worse off than before.
“That’s why I’m calling on our government not to make it harder for international students to study in the UK,” he said.
City Hall estimates the annual economic benefit from overseas students at UK universities at around £55 billion, with £12.5 billion generated by those in London.
The UK Government is considering a new levy on income English universities earn from international students, as part of its immigration white paper.
Critics warn this could deter students and impose extra financial burdens on “already stretched universities.”
Home Office data released in October 2024 showed a 16 per cent decline in visa applications from international students between July and September compared with the previous year.
Mr Khan emphasised that international students also enrich UK cities and society, saying they contribute significantly to making the UK “a better place to be.”
He assured that under his leadership, London would remain open to all and urged the Government to foster partnerships:
“On my watch, London will be as open as ever… but I think we must do more. We cannot simply wait for the world to come to London; we must bring London to the world,” he said.
Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, noted that collaboration with Imperial College London has advanced climate change and entrepreneurship efforts, supporting over 400 students and 150 startups.
She said the University aims for 10 per cent of its 70,000-plus students to be actively engaged in entrepreneurship.
Mr Khan’s visit includes Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town to strengthen trade links and deepen ties with London’s growing African diaspora.
During the tour, the mayor’s growth agency, London & Partners, will lead a trade delegation of 27 London-based companies seeking to expand business and explore opportunities in Africa.