Dilek Fidler, S., Clarke, L. and Wang, Rebecca 2026. Written Evidence to the Home Affairs Committee on “Routes to Settlement”. Home Affairs Committee on “Routes to Settlement” Committees Home Affairs Committee on “Routes to Settlement” Committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/152776/pdf/.
| Title | Written Evidence to the Home Affairs Committee on “Routes to Settlement” |
|---|---|
| Authors | Dilek Fidler, S., Clarke, L. and Wang, Rebecca |
| Type | Project report |
| Abstract | Our research consists of two studies examining the mobility, settlement trajectories, and capability development of international PhD students during and subsequent to their programme of study, published in two peer-reviewed articles. These articles include a detailed analysis of the experiences of international PhD students from Turkey in the UK and explore how political, socio-cultural, professional, and migration-policy factors shape their decisions whilst studying and having obtained their doctorates. Across both studies, settlement is not simply an individual preference but the outcome of conditions that either enable or constrain individuals’ capabilities to build stable and rewarding futures. Our published evidence indicates that: Restrictive or unclear settlement policies reduce the UK’s ability to retain highly educated individuals and weaken its competitiveness within the global higher education sector. Professional environments, safety, lifestyle freedoms, and inclusive social norms strongly influence post-doctoral settlement intentions. Migration policies — including visa rules, post-study work rights, and perceptions of welcome or hostility — play a decisive role in shaping whether international researchers consider long-term settlement in the UK. Although many participants initially viewed the UK as an unattractive place for long-term settlement due to visa uncertainty and restrictive migration policies, both studies show that over time professional opportunities, inclusive working environments, and socio-cultural freedoms became more influential in shaping their long-term intentions to remain. |
| Keywords | International Student Mobility |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publisher | Home Affairs Committee on “Routes to Settlement” Committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/152776/pdf/ |
| Place of publication | Home Affairs Committee on “Routes to Settlement” Committees |
| Publication dates | |
| Published | 10 Feb 2026 |
| File | File Access Level Open (open metadata and files) |
| Web address (URL) | https://Committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/152776/pdf/ |