New council set up to tackle hiring bias against Indian students in UK

A new effort to strengthen job opportunities for Indian students in the United Kingdom has been launched as the Indian National Students Association UK joined hands with AI-driven career platform Creoo to introduce the Indian National Students Employability Council, or INSEC.

Positioned as the first national body focused on improving employment outcomes for Indian students in Britain, the announcement was made during the India-UK Student Leadership Summit at the Houses of Parliament earlier this week.

With about 166,000 Indians currently studying in the UK, employability has emerged as their biggest challenge.

“In the last 18 months alone, over 36 panels have discussed international students, yet students report little tangible improvement. INSEC is not another panel; it is a commitment that starts today,” said Ayesha Goyal, founder and CEO of Creoo.

INSEC plans to run a National Career Roadshow across major campuses like LSE, UCL, and King’s College London; release a nationwide report on Indian Student Outcomes early next year; and form a National Advisory Board to ensure that Indian students have a stronger voice in policymaking.

The need for such a platform is becoming more urgent, said Amit Tiwari, National President of INSA UK. “What is the point of doing studies here when I do not even get a response on my application from the employer? That is what students are asking.”

The summit, opened by Labour MP Navendu Mishra, highlighted the growing mismatch between the rising number of Indian students in the UK and their ability to find meaningful work after graduation.

Even though the Graduate Route visa permits international students to work for 18 to 24 months, many attendees said they face rejection or silence from companies, fueling concerns of bias in the hiring system.

INSA UK said it is actively engaging with the High Commission of India and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office to push for fair treatment of Indian applicants.

Mishra also noted that this year is significant for India-UK relations, with the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement nearing completion after almost ten years of discussions.

“It is important for students to stay connected to our community in the UK. Our community must be well represented. Else, others will represent us, and it can be misrepresentation,” he said.

As the student body prepares to mark its 10th anniversary next year, General Secretary Ranjeet Singh said the summit aims to inspire Indian students to see themselves as future global leaders.

House of Lords peer Lord Krish Raval said, “You have the ability to make the best of both worlds. I encourage you to engage in volunteering opportunities; it will entrench your position in this country and help you grow more.”

Students also voiced worries about the Graduate Route visa, which allows them to work for up to 18 months after completing their degrees.

Many believe employers dismiss their applications or avoid responding altogether, reflecting possible prejudice.

INSA UK confirmed it is discussing the issue with the High Commission of India and the FCDO, urging the UK government to educate companies about treating Indian graduates on equal footing.