The UK government’s recent proposal to reduce the post-study graduate visa from two years to 18 months has sparked widespread debate about migration’s implications for higher education. While the spotlight has been firmly placed on international students, a significant demographic remains largely overlooked: international academic staff and researchers.
As of 2022-2023, nearly 78,000 international academics were employed across UK higher education institutions. This group comprises just under a third of the academic workforce, with some disciplines—particularly engineering and technology—showing numbers approaching half. This diversity is essential for fostering robust teaching and research environments, alongside enhancing the international reputation of British universities. However, increasing immigration restrictions pose a significant risk of transforming the UK into a mere career stopover for global talent instead of a long-term destination for scholars.
Global mobility has become a defining hallmark of modern academic careers. Researchers increasingly need to traverse borders in pursuit of competitive CVs, collaborative opportunities, and adaptation to the demands of a globally interconnected knowledge economy. Our recent study, highlighted in the Journal of Consumer Research and the Journal of Consumer Psychology, sheds light on the realities faced by these mobile academics—not as privileged cosmopolitans, but as professionals contending with a demanding and often destabilizing lifestyle.
Among the myriad challenges encountered by international academics, emotional hardship stands out. The longing for an “emotional home”—a stable haven marked by family, community, and routine—often proves elusive in an environment characterized by frequent relocations, temporary accommodation, and unpredictable employment. Consequently, these scholars craft what we term “functional homes”: temporary lodgings that serve practical needs yet lack the psychological anchor that comes from truly feeling settled.
One international academic poignantly articulated this struggle: “Living far from my parents, friends, and hometown is very difficult. Imagine living in a city of eight million people [like London] and yet feeling so alone. To escape this feeling, I often stay in the office late into the night, work from busy coffee shops, and even rent a flat in the city center. But none of these seem to help.” This sentiment echoes with many professionals who, despite the camaraderie within departmental circles, find it challenging to cultivate meaningful connections beyond their academic roles—especially if they are on short-term contracts or several separate commitments.
Many academics then turn to expatriate networks or what we define as “commercial friendships” formed in social settings such as gyms or cafés. These relationships can provide a temporary sense of belonging but, without secure immigration statuses or pathways to permanent residency, these social ties remain tenuous and insufficient.
This lack of social connection is exacerbated by immigration barriers, including rising visa fees, health surcharges, and the recent extension of the timeline to apply for UK citizenship from five to ten years. When policies complicate the ability to plan for the future, the emotional toll associated with mobility becomes unmanageable.
The cognitive burden associated with constant relocation is another underappreciated challenge. Academics must continually relearn the systems governing daily life—whether understanding healthcare processes, school enrollment protocols, housing markets, or tax codes. One Chinese researcher encapsulated this reality succinctly: “With every move come numerous unknowns—new banks, housing, and schools for the kids. Even returning to familiar countries feels different; something has changed that I need to relearn.” Each added immigration obstacle contributes to this uncertainty, diverting mental energy away from essential tasks like research and teaching.
If the UK is genuinely committed to being a global nexus for research and innovation, institutions must take a proactive stance in mitigating these pressures. While immigration policy may lie outside their direct influence, universities can still implement supportive measures for their international staff. The need for a cultural shift is evident; academically mobile scholars should be recognized as integral members of the university community rather than temporary guests.
Possible initiatives could include assistance with schooling, housing, healthcare access, and spousal employment for relocating academics. Flexible working arrangements would also greatly aid staff in maintaining relationships with families across distant time zones by allowing them to communicate during more suitable hours.
Structured social support is equally vital, encompassing peer mentoring programs and community integration initiatives that alleviate social isolation. Tailored mental health services addressing the unique emotional strains of transnational living would also greatly enhance overall well-being.
The proposed changes to visa regulations are not merely bureaucratic adjustments; they reflect a broader trend of political hostility towards immigrants, conveying an unsettling message to international academics: your presence is conditional, and you are easily replaceable. However, these individuals contribute significantly as researchers, lecturers, and collaborators who secure vital international grants. Thus, if British universities wish to maintain their allure for such talent, they must advocate strongly for immigration policies that acknowledge the complexities and significance of international academic life.
Failure to act on these fronts jeopardizes the trust and goodwill essential for fostering fruitful academic careers in the UK, ultimately impacting all staff and students within the higher education landscape.
Zahra Sharifonnasabi is a senior lecturer in marketing at Queen Mary University of London. Fleura Bardhi is a professor of marketing at Bayes Business School, City St George’s, University of London. Laetitia Mimoun is an associate professor of marketing at ESCP Business School.
