London: The number of overseas students coming to study in Britain from Commonwealth countries like India and Pakistan has dwindled from one lakh to 35,000 in the past three years, according to the latest immigration report published on Thursday.
The official report issued by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) indicated a steep decline in students from India and other Commonwealth countries opting other international destinations for studies.
"The number of overseas students coming to study in Britain from Commonwealth countries such as India and Pakistan had fallen from one lakh to 35,000 in the past three years", the report said.
UK University bodies and critics of the country's immigration policy have been warning the UK government over toughening visa policies driving overseas students, who pay much higher fees, to other countries such as the US and Australia.
Most recently, a House of Lords committee had accused the government of creating an unwelcoming atmosphere for international students from countries like India.
