UK's Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra has defended her government's immigration proposals during a visit to India, while expressing concern about a rise in foreign students seeking asylum at the end of their studies. Under the new plans, some migrants could have to wait up to 20 years before they can settle permanently in the UK and the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain will be extended from five to 10 years. The proposals will apply to an estimated 2.6 million people who arrived in the country since 2021. They have drawn criticism from some quarters, including a few Labour MPs, even though the Conservatives gave the measures a cautious welcome. The reforms are 'in line with what countries around the world do' to stop the abuse of their immigration systems, Malhotra told the BBC in the southern Indian city of Chennai, adding that there was a 'very strong message we also send, which is that we welcome those coming legally'. According to Malhotra, around 16,000 international students from across the world had applied for asylum in the UK last year after completing their courses, evidence of abuse of legal migration routes. A further 14,800 students sought asylum this year to June 2025, by the latest Home Office figures. India remains one of the UK's biggest sources of international students, but demand is cooling, with an 11% decline from last year as tougher immigration rules take effect. Malhotra emphasized the need for reforms that ensure only genuine students enter the UK, while also addressing concerns over the impact on international recruitment in sectors like healthcare.