Britain’s move to abolish the visa that allows Indian and other non-EU students to take up employment in the UK for two years after the completion of their courses is likely to reduce the number of Indians coming here for MBA degrees, an industry body has said.

The London-based Association of MBAs, which accredits business management courses in 70 countries, including the UK, said the proposed move was of ‘significant concern’, and would restrict enrolment of international students from India and elsewhere.

In a speech last week, immigration minister Damian Green said that non-EU students could not be allowed unfettered access to the UK labour market amidst growing unemployment in Britain.

He said: “The post study work route was intended to form a bridge between study and skilled work, allowing all international graduates to remain for two years after graduation…

He said: “The post study work route was intended to form a bridge between study and skilled work, allowing all international graduates to remain for two years after graduation… To allow unfettered access to the jobs market for two years to anyone with a student visa from abroad is putting an unnecessary extra strain on our own graduate

Moreover, MBA international students bring “a high level of income for UK universities at a time when they are struggling for funding”, the association said. In British universities, MBA tuition fees range from 10,000 pounds to 50,000 pounds per year.

He warned British students will be put off going to university if they have to spend large amounts of money and still run the risk of not getting a job at the end of it.

Some 38,000 foreign students took advantage of the route in 2009 alone, along with almost 8,000 dependants.

He defended plans for a crackdown, insisting that research had unearthed “unpleasant” abuses.