Stop Implementing The Unfair Student Immigration System in the UK
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ISA UK launched this petition in response to UKBA’s latest proposals on the student immigration system.
The UKBA’s consultation is to reform the student immigration system and expects to achieve the following.
• Raising the level of courses students can study. Only Highly Trusted Sponsors will be able to offer courses to adult students at National Qualification Levels 3,4 and 5.
• Introducing tougher entry criteria for students other than child students.
• Ensuring students return overseas after their course.
• Limiting the entitlements to work and sponsor dependants.
• Simpler procedures for checking low-risk applications.
• Stricter accreditation procedures for education providers in the private sector.
We think if these draconian changes are implemented, it will be detrimental to UK Plc. What the proposal seemingly fails to recognise is the positive cultural and economical contribution of international students to the UK. The UK Council for International Student Affairs(UKCISA) estimates that international students contribute £2.5 billion to the UK economy in university fees alone. The British Council reports that the most recent estimate of the economic contribution of international students to the UK is £12.5 billion per year.
One aspect of these proposals is a plan to scrap the post-study work visa (henceforth referred to as PSWV). This category was created in order to retain the UK’s best international graduates and to make UK university education more attractive to students. International students currently studying here in UK were essentially promised a two year Tier 1 PSWV upon choosing to study in the UK.
The principles of fairness and predictability require that no retrospective changes should be applied to current students. We believe that retrospective changes send a negative message to current and future students and the public in general.
Therefore, we the undersigned request the UK Govt. not to implement these draconian changes and to uphold and preserve the British value of fairness in tough times.
Sponsor
International Students Association UK
isauk@email.com
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