The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has called on the UK Government to ease restrictions on international students, warning that a decline in their numbers would harm both London and the broader UK economy.

Mr Khan criticised proposals to “pull up the drawbridge to international students,” describing such measures as economically damaging. 

Speaking in Accra during his five-day trade mission to Africa, he labelled the policies a “mistake” that would deter global talent.

“Closing our country to global talent would be an act of immense economic self-harm—one that would slow growth and leave working people in Britain worse off."

“That’s why I’m calling on our government not to make it harder for international students to study in the UK,” he said.

According to City Hall, international students contribute an estimated £55 billion annually to the UK economy, with £12.5 billion generated by those studying in London alone.

As part of its immigration white paper, the UK Government is reportedly considering a new levy on income universities earn from international students. Critics warn the move could discourage overseas applicants and place additional financial strain on already stretched institutions.

Recent Home Office data revealed a 16 per cent drop in international student visa applications between July and September 2024 compared to the same period the previous year.

Beyond economic concerns, Mr Khan highlighted the cultural and social contributions international students make to the UK, stating they help make the country “a better place to be.”

He reaffirmed London’s openness under his leadership and called for stronger global partnerships:
“On my watch, London will be as open as ever… but we must do more. We cannot simply wait for the world to come to London; we must bring London to the world,” he said.

Collaboration

Also speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo praised ongoing collaboration with Imperial College London, noting it has supported over 400 students and 150 startups in climate change and entrepreneurship initiatives. 

She added that the university aims for 10 per cent of its more than 70,000 students to be actively involved in entrepreneurship.

Mr Khan’s African trade mission includes visits to Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, aimed at strengthening trade ties and engaging London’s growing African diaspora.

As part of the tour, London’s growth agency, London & Partners, is leading a delegation of 27 London-based companies exploring business opportunities and expansion across the continent.