The recent visa revocation of a Kenyan student in the UK after allegedly working more hours than allowed has drawn attention to the legal and policy framework governing international students. The revocation, which has the student saying she has lost “three years gone,” highlights the risks students face when visa conditions are not clearly communicated or when economic pressures push them beyond legal boundaries.
UK immigration rules often impose strict limits on work hours for student visa holders; violating these rules can lead to serious consequences, including visa cancellation and deportation. Such cases underscore the importance of universities, immigration services, and student support offices clearly educating students about these regulations.
In Kenya, voices are calling for foreign service offices, education consultants, and student unions to do more: provide clear guidance, ensure students understand legal limits, and offer support for financial difficulties. They argue that while rules are important, enforcement should include proportionality and consideration for those who may not intentionally breach them but did so out of necessity.
As this case unfolds, there may be discussions in UK and Kenyan policy circles about whether current rules are fair and whether there should be grace periods or warnings before visa penalties of this magnitude are enforced.
