Every year, between 13,000 and 15,000 students from Pakistan relocate to the United Kingdom for permanent residency. This information was shared by a Foreign Office official during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis on July 19, 2025. Chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, the meeting highlighted the trend of these students choosing to remain in the UK instead of returning to Pakistan.
The official stated, “Pakistani students prefer to settle in the UK rather than return home. These students are even willing to work for minimum wage.” This trend allows them to integrate into the UK’s labour market, despite facing challenges such as limited proficiency in English.
Currently, 1.8 million Pakistanis live in the UK. The official emphasised language barriers: “Pakistani citizens face difficulties [in the UK] due to a lack of English proficiency.”
Read: UK Rollouts Simplified eVisa for Pakistani Students and Worker
Recent developments strengthen UK-Pakistan ties. On July 15, the UK launched e-visas for Pakistani students and workers, streamlining the immigration process for these groups. The two nations signed a Trade Dialogue Mechanism Agreement on July 16 to boost economic cooperation. The UK removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List on July 17, allowing Pakistani airlines to apply for direct flights.
In May 2025, UK officials contemplated restricting visas for countries such as Pakistan, which have high numbers of asylum claims. This discussion arose after low voter turnout in local elections, where immigration issues played a significant role. This situation highlights migration trends and the development of bilateral relations. While international students contribute positively to the UK economy, they often face challenges related to integration and acculturation.
