Alex Proudfoot, Chief Executive of Independent Higher Education (IHE), said:
"Today's migration statistics from the ONS show clearly that the bulge of high net migration caused by exceptional factors, including the return of economic activity and student mobility after the Covid pandemic, has begun to work its way through the numbers.
“There is a real risk now that the Government overcorrects in adopting the stricter policies announced last week in relation to international students, who are absolutely vital to the success of our higher education sector, our continued ability to invest in the skills of our domestic workforce, and the UK's capacity to project cultural influence and leadership in the world.
“We urge Ministers once again to consider the compelling evidence of the overwhelmingly positive benefits that international students bring and commit to a new International Education Strategy which effectively protects and promotes the UK's enviable position as a world leader in education, skills and research.”