Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

UK's zero-tolerance approach to criminal activity praised

AN Indian diplomat has praised the zero-tolerance approach to criminal activity and harassment in the UK, pointing out that it has helped maintain harmony between different communities.

Hon. Consul for India in Wales, Raj Aggarwal OBE, also commended the approach of the South Wales Constabulary for encouraging social cohesion.


“I am also so pleased that we have zero tolerance policy to harassment and criminal activity in Wales, this helps build, maintain cohesion, relationships and harmony between communities which already exists. Thank you, chief constable Matt Jukes and your team (who was in attendance) for your immense support," he said at the first ever Diwali celebrations hosted by Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford yesterday (24).

The event was held at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff, and the 65-year-old Labour politician praised the Indian community for their massive contribution to Wales.

More than 300 people were in attendance for the night of celebration that included traditional Indian music, dancing and food.

Other dignitaries at the event included Baroness Eluned Morgan AC/AM, Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language, Counsellor Minister DP Singh of the Indian High Commission and Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith.

More For You

Seema Malhotra

The UK is moving towards a "contribution-based" system, where settlement depends on economic contribution

Getty Images

Seema Malhotra raises concern over student asylum claims during India visit

Highlights

  • Indo-Pacific minister addresses immigration concerns during Chennai visit.
  • 16,000 students applied for asylum in UK after finishing studies last year.
  • Indian student numbers to UK drop 11 per cent amid tougher immigration rules.
Britain's Indo-Pacific minister Seema Malhotra has stood by the government's immigration reforms while visiting India, highlighting concerns over international students who claim asylum after their courses end.
During her visit to Chennai, Malhotra told the BBC that the reforms were "in line with what countries around the world do" to stop abuse of immigration systems. She stressed there was a "very strong message we also send, which is that we welcome those coming legally".
The minister disclosed that roughly 16,000 international students worldwide had filed asylum applications in the UK following the completion of their studies last year, describing this trend as clear evidence of legal pathway abuse. Latest Home Office data indicates an additional 14,800 students made similar asylum claims between January and June 2025.

Student number drops

India continues to be a major source of international students for UK institutions, representing a quarter of all foreign student arrivals in 2023-2024. Despite this, interest appears to be waning, with an 11 per cent decline in Indian student applications from the previous year as stricter immigration measures come into force.

This downturn has raised alarm amongst British universities already facing financial pressures and dependent on international student revenue.

Keep ReadingShow less