Over 15,000 Pakistani Students Seek Permanent Residency in UK Annually: FO Reveals
Each year, between 13,000 to 15,000 Pakistani students travel to the United Kingdom (UK) with the intent of settling there permanently, a senior representative from Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) disclosed during a Senate briefing on Friday.
The revelation came during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, where the FO official presented insights into the increasing trend of Pakistani youth migrating to the UK through academic channels.
“Approximately 13,000 to 15,000 students from Pakistan move to the UK annually with aspirations to obtain permanent residency,” the FO representative informed the committee.
From Academia to Labour: A Common Pathway
According to the official, a significant portion of these students remain in the UK after completing their education, integrating into the British labour market by taking up jobs—often those with minimum wage compensation. This shift from education to employment has become a popular migration route, especially among students who view the UK as a gateway to long-term economic stability and better living conditions.
The official emphasized that although many students succeed in adapting to the UK’s professional environment, language barriers—particularly inadequate English proficiency—continue to pose challenges for a large number of Pakistani citizens, limiting upward mobility in the workforce.
A Community of 1.8 Million Pakistanis in the UK
The committee was further informed that around 1.8 million Pakistanis currently reside in the UK, forming one of the largest expatriate communities in Europe. The Pakistani diaspora has long contributed to the UK’s socio-economic fabric, but recent trends show a noticeable increase in students choosing to remain abroad rather than returning home after graduation.
Recent UK Policy Changes Impacting Pakistanis
In a significant update earlier this week, the UK government introduced a new e-visa system for Pakistani students and professionals. The digital transition is meant to facilitate the process of issuing visas as part of the modernization of the British immigration and border management systems.
This initiative follows the UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue Mechanism Agreement, a bilateral pact signed recently to enhance trade relations. One major outcome of this agreement is the establishment of the UK-Pakistan Business Advisory Council, which seeks to promote economic collaboration and commercial opportunities between the two nations.
Pakistan Removed from UK Air Safety List
In a related development, the UK Civil Aviation Authority officially removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List, enabling Pakistani airlines to apply for flight operations to and from the UK. The move marks a milestone for aviation ties between the two countries and could boost direct connectivity and tourism in the near future.
Potential Visa Restrictions Under Review
Despite these positive developments, concerns about migration remain a focal point in UK policy discussions. In May 2025, a British government official hinted at potential visa restrictions targeting students from certain countries, including Pakistan. These proposed measures are reportedly aimed at curbing net migration and addressing the issue of asylum misuse, as identified by UK authorities.
Analysts believe these discussions gained momentum following local elections in England, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party faced backlash from voters over immigration handling. The government is now under pressure to tighten immigration controls, especially on foreign students suspected of seeking asylum or overstaying visas.
