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UK Sees Dramatic Drop In International Students And Foreign Workers
The United Kingdom has witnessed a significant decline in the number of international students and foreign workers migrating to the country, according to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This trend marks a departure from the UK’s traditional attractiveness to global talent and raises concerns about the impact on the country’s economy and education sector. In the year ending March 2024, the number of international students arriving in the UK plummeted by 23% compared to the previous year, with a total of 210,000 students entering the country. This decline is attributed to the introduction of stricter visa rules and the UK’s exit from the European
Union (Brexit).
“The UK has always been a popular destination for international students, but the recent changes in visa policies and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit have made it more challenging for students to choose the UK as their study destination,” said Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International. The decline in foreign workers is even more pronounced, with a 31% drop in the number of work-related visas issued in the same period. This decrease
is largely attributed to the UK’s new points-based immigration system, which prioritizes high skilled workers and has made it more difficult for lower-skilled workers to enter the country.
“The new immigration system is designed to attract the best and brightest talent from around the world, but it’s clear that the changes are having a significant impact on the number of foreign workers coming to the UK,” said Madeleine Sumner, Director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford. The decline in international students and foreign workers has significant implications for the UK’s economy and education sector. International students contribute significantly to the UK’s economy, with estimates suggesting that they generate over £25 billion in revenue each year. Similarly, foreign workers play a crucial role in filling labor gaps in key sectors such as healthcare and technology.
“The decline in international students and foreign workers is a concern for the UK’s economy and education sector. We need to ensure that our immigration system is attractive to global talent and supports the needs of our economy,” said Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper. In response to the decline, the UK government has announced plans to review the immigration system and make it more attractive to international students and foreign workers. The government has also announced plans to increase funding for international student recruitment and to streamline the visa application process. “We recognize the importance of international students and foreign workers to the UK’s economy and education sector. We will work to ensure that our immigration system is fair, efficient, and attractive to global talent,” said Immigration Minister, Robert Jenrick.
Two Dead, Nine Injured in Brown University Shooting
Two students were killed and nine others injured after a gunman opened fire at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, police said.
Authorities have detained a person of interest in his 20s, who is now cooperating with investigators.
The attack occurred around 4:00 p.m. local time (21:00 GMT) at the Holley Engineering Building on the eastern end of the university campus.
Police said the identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed that all those affected, including the deceased, were students.
In a statement on Sunday, Paxson said parts of the campus remained restricted as police continued investigations.
She added that around 2,000 students were relocated to safe locations overnight and expressed gratitude to local residents who opened their homes to students.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said seven of the injured students were in stable condition, one was critical, and another had been discharged.
The mayor, who visited victims and their families in hospital, described their courage as “overwhelming” and confirmed that the shelter-in-place order issued earlier had been lifted.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said the suspect was detained at a hotel in Coventry early Sunday morning based on a lead from Providence Police.
Police Chief Oscar Perez confirmed that officers were no longer searching for additional suspects and were working closely with prosecutors to collect evidence.
President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House, expressed sympathy for the families of the two deceased students and wished a speedy recovery for the nine injured.
The shooting brings the number of mass shootings in the United States in 2025 to 389, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines mass shootings as incidents with four or more victims killed or injured, not including the attacker.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant as the investigation continues, while a vigil is scheduled for Sunday evening to support the Brown University community.
Bondi Beach Attack: 15 Dead, Father-Son Gunmen Behind Shooting
A mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Saturday left 15 people dead, including a child aged 10, during a Hanukkah celebration. Authorities are treating the incident as a terror attack.
Police confirmed the shooters were a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son.
The father died at the scene, while the son remains in critical condition.
The 50-year-old was a licensed firearms holder; six guns and two improvised devices were recovered from the site.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack “an act of pure evil”, saying it deliberately targeted the Jewish community, and promised full resources to support the investigation and combat antisemitism.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said quick response, informed by last year’s Bondi stabbing, helped save lives.
328 officers have been deployed to protect Sydney’s Jewish community, while two properties in western Sydney were searched overnight.
Among the victims was British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Eyewitnesses described the chaos, with some saying the gunfire felt like it lasted “an eternity.”
Authorities continue to investigate the attack as Australians reel from the tragedy.
Trump Reacts as ISIS Kills Three Americans in Syria
President Donald Trump has pledged a “very serious retaliation” after an ambush in central Syria on Saturday, killing two U.S. service members and one American civilian interpreter, an attack the United States blames on the Islamic State (ISIS) group.
In a statement and social‑media post, Trump described the assault near Palmyra—a region still volatile and not fully controlled by the Syrian government—as “an ISIS attack against the U.S. and Syria.”
He mourned the three victims as “great American patriots” and confirmed that three other U.S. soldiers wounded in the attack are recovering.
Speaking from the White House before departing for a public event, the president said he expected a firm U.S. response, noting that there will be “very serious retaliation” against ISIS and any group that targets American forces.
Trump noted that Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa, whose government has been cooperating with U.S. forces in counter‑terrorism operations, was “extremely angry and disturbed” by the incident.
The ambush occurred as U.S. troops were engaged in a counter‑terrorism mission alongside Syrian partners; the suspected attacker was killed by coalition forces, U.S. Central Command said.
The identities and units of the deceased are being withheld pending family notification.
Defense officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, echoed Trump’s stance, issuing stark warnings that the U.S. will pursue individuals or groups that target Americans.
The U.S. maintains a force of around 900 troops in Syria as part of ongoing operations against ISIS remnants, despite the group’s loss of territorial control years earlier.
The attack is the first fatal incident involving U.S. personnel in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, highlighting persistent security challenges and raising questions about the future scope of U.S. military engagement in the region.
Two Dead, Nine Injured in Brown University Shooting
Bondi Beach Attack: 15 Dead, Father-Son Gunmen Behind Shooting
Trump Reacts as ISIS Kills Three Americans in Syria
Pastor Jerry Eze Defends Miracles At UK Conference Amidst Criticism And Controversy
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
