London Chambers Call on Ministers to Protect the City's Economic Vitality

London’s Might & the Big Students Debate

Why the City’s Powerhouses are Raising Their Voices

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and London Higher have teamed up to send a clear message to the Home Secretary and Education Secretary: Don’t make it harder for bright minds from around the globe to settle in London.
They’re worried that a swift overhaul of the Graduate visa route could throw a wrench into the city’s economic engine.

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The Call for a Longer Review

The Home Secretary asked the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to re‑evaluate the Graduate visa in a short time frame.

LCCI & London Higher say that’s “too tight” to pull‑out all the juicy data and insights needed.

They’re asking for an extension: push the deadline beyond May 14, 2024.

“Let the experts doodle their evidence; we need a real chance to share the T‑shirt sized details.”

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Why the Graduate Route Matters

Currently, it’s the main road to attract top global talent to the UK.

Students boost research output, give higher education institutions a competitive edge, and spark nation‑wide innovation.

LCCI & London Higher represent > 8,000 London businesses and all of London’s universities.

Key Numbers to Remember

£9.59 billion net economic contribution from international students in London each year.

A 20% drop in international enrolments could push 80% of universities into a deficit (PwC report).

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What If the Graduate Route Changes?

Both organisations stress: if the route vanishes or gets tweaked, new policies must spring up to keep the UK’s universities glorious magnets for the world’s brightest scholars.

They’re championing a “next‑gen” framework that keeps the UK’s global reputation and soft power alive.

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Leadership Speaks

Karim Fatehi, MBE – Chief Executive, LCCI“International students aren’t just cultural ambassadors; they’re money‑bags. Their presence injects billions annually, enriches campuses, and fills inevitable skill gaps after graduation. We’re calling for a review extension to prove that keeping this talent here fuels innovation and strengthens the UK’s global standing.”Dr. Diana Beech – COO, London Higher“London’s campus life thrives on the 179,000+ international students arriving each year. They keep subjects alive, fuel business growth, and sustain public services. A quick review threatens to lose these perks and pushes talent to other nations. We’re urging lawmakers to give ample time for a comprehensive assessment.”

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Bottom Line

London owes its global prestige to the international student influx. Changing the Graduate visa route too fast risks pulling money, ideas, and talent away. LCCI & London Higher are not just asking—they’re standing for an extended, well‑studied review to keep London and the UK on the cutting edge of education and innovation.

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