The United Kingdom is inviting Kenyan students to study in Britain following the new Graduate Route visa launch.
British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott on Thursday shared the excellent news with Kenyans.
She said that immigration rules were relaxed following Brexit.
This means Kenyan students can enjoy the same privileges as those from European countries and the European Union (EU).
“Since leaving the European Union, the UK has set a number of new visa routes for Kenyans and other ambitious young people across the world. So from July 1, 2021, applications open for our new graduation route,” she said.
With the Graduate Visa, students who complete their studies can stay longer in the UK and work.
“The graduate route will allow international students who have completed undergraduate and Master’s degrees to stay 2-3 years after completing their studies, this is because we want to give Kenyans a chance to study and work in the UK,” Marriott stated.
The UK imposed a raft of changes following Brexit to accommodate African migrants in Britain for education and work purposes.
In January 2021, Britain launched a points-based immigration system allowing skilled Kenyans without a degree to obtain work permits in the United Kingdom (UK).
Kenyans who wish to travel to the UK will be eligible if they have attained an A-level.
UK Minister for Africa James Duddridge said that Britain is upbeat that skilled African immigrants will take up job opportunities in the UK.
The relaxed immigration rules for African immigrants to the UK were triggered by Britain’s decision to exit the European Union.
Britain revised its residency and trade visas which created an opportunity for skilled non-graduate Kenyans to work in the UK.
Professionals in technical courses such as plumbing and electrical works are in high demand. IT professionals and accountants also stand a higher chance of obtaining a work visa.
Kenyans working for British multinationals also stand a high chance of working in Britain.
The points-based system has a threshold of 70 points for a migrant worker to be granted a visa or work permit in the UK.
The points are graded from a set of conditions, among them a job offer by a reputable employer in Britain, which takes 40 points.
Fluency in English gives another 10 points while the salary scale gives another 20 points to make it 70.
In July 2020, the UK government made it easier for Kenyan students who would like to pursue their degree and master’s in Britain.
“Thinking of studying in the UK? Good news – university admissions for 2020 are happening now! UK universities are among the best in the world and in 2018/19 they welcomed over 2000 students,” UK in Kenya, the official Twitter handle for British High Commission in Kenya stated.
