UK eases immigration rules to attract foreign students

The United Kingdom Friday relaxed its immigration rules to make the country more attractive to international students.

The changes will also give greater flexibility to business visitors and to businesses that employ and sponsor international migrants, the UK Home Office said in a statement.

"Today's changes will ensure that the UK continues to attract global talent to work for British businesses and study at our world-class universities," UK Immigration Minister Mark Harper said in the statement.

"Immigration reform is working; we have tightened immigration routes where abuse was rife, while still encouraging the brightest and the best to come to the UK," he added.

The new changes allow international students to take up corporate internships after completing their degree and make it easier for graduate entrepreneurs to take up skilled jobs.

Changes made in the business visitor visa rules will allow employees to undertake corporate training in Britain where it is delivered by an external company, according to the Home Office statement.

Global organisations can also bring their own auditors on a business visitor visa, thus making it easy for such organisations to complete international audits.

"The UK is open for business: we are building an immigration system that works in the national interest and supports growth," Harper said.

Individuals on graduate entrepreneur visas will be able to switch to a skilled worker visa more easily following Friday's changes in the rules.