Government removes right of most international students to bring dependants to UK

The government is removing the right of most international students to bring dependents with them to the UK – as part of a drive to reduce the amount of legal migration to the UK.

Figures out later this week are expected to show that net migration will hit a record level.

But universities say discouraging overseas students is a mistake – as they depend on the fees they pay – while it could also damage the UK’s global competitiveness.