Student Visas Higher Education 2023-06-12
2023-06-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Higher Education Statistics Authority reported that 55% of UK universities recorded a deficit in the last academic year. International students account for nearly one-fifth of revenue.
What recent discussions has she had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the potential impact of changes to the student visa route on the competitiveness of the higher education sector?
UK universities are home to some of the world's top institutions, benefiting from strong international ties. The change restricts postgraduate students' right to bring dependants, striking a balance for fair migration policy while maintaining UK's attractiveness for global talent.
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Assessment & feedback
The impact on financial stability and competitiveness of universities is not addressed directly.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Higher Education Statistics Authority showed that 55% of UK universities recorded a deficit in the last academic year. International students account for almost one-fifth of income, with Scottish institutions affected.
Does she recognise her Government's policy change on student dependants risks jeopardising key income streams for financially strained universities across the UK and Scotland?
Our offer remains competitive, and we are committed to ensuring the UK remains a choice destination for international students. These changes will predominantly affect dependants of students, but not impact the competitive nature of our university offer.
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Assessment & feedback
The risk to financial stability is acknowledged but dismissed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Opposition recognises the value of international students but did not oppose recent changes. The Home Office stated that indirect impacts should be proportionate to policy aims.
Given no impact assessment, how does she know any indirect impact is proportionate?
The number of dependants rose from 16,000 in 2019 to 136,000 by 2022. Action is taken to reduce numbers. From January 2024, postgraduate students will not be allowed to bring dependants, while PhD and research master's students can.
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Assessment & feedback
The lack of impact assessment is acknowledged but dismissed.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Former Education Secretary conceded that policy changes would reduce the ability to attract top students from around the world.
Does she stand by her initial remarks that such policies will impact our ability to attract the best students?
We are keen on the two-year graduate route visa, ensuring all students have time to find jobs before applying for work visas. The number of dependants increased unprecedentedly, and action was needed given migration figures.
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Assessment & feedback
The impact on attracting top students is acknowledged but dismissed.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Eightfold increase in dependants due to policies and collapse of the European market; international students are counted as permanent migrants.
Why is not being considered to count only those who stay for settlement figures?
Less than 1% of initial study visa holders granted settlement by 2021. Home Office data show the increase in dependants but does not control migration figures, managed by ONS.
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Assessment & feedback
The counting methodology is acknowledged but dismissed.
Response accuracy