International Students and Researchers Immigration Rules 2021-12-06
2021-12-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions on immigration rules for international students and researchers participating in education in the UK are requested.
What recent discussions have been had with Cabinet colleagues on immigration rules for (a) international students and (b) researchers participating in education in the UK?
The student and graduate routes offer a streamlined process and are a competitive post-study work offer for international students. We are working with the Home Office to drive reforms forward to improve high-skilled migration routes for innovators and top talent, as well as making the UK the most exciting place to locate as a researcher.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details of recent discussions on immigration rules were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Since Brexit, there has been a significant decline in EU students studying in UK universities. Additionally, EU school trips have significantly decreased due to scrapped group passports and increased visa paperwork.
The number of EU students studying in UK universities has fallen by 56% in Scotland, 54% in Wales, 42% in Northern Ireland and 36% in England. There has also been a massive drop in EU school trips to the UK due to scrapped group passports and increased paperwork for visas. How does the Minister plan to repair the damage that Brexit has caused UK educational and cultural institutions?
We value all international students, including EU students, not just for financial benefit but also for cultural benefits. We updated our international education strategy aiming for 600,000 international students a year and increasing education exports to £35 billion.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans to repair the damage caused by Brexit were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Of the 16 Afghan scholars supported by the Council for At-Risk Academics, 10 remain in Afghanistan, four have arrived in the UK with Home Office assistance, and two are still waiting for visas. One is reportedly hiding.
Of the 16 Afghan scholars sponsored by the Council for At-Risk Academics, 10 remain trapped in Afghanistan; four, with the help of the Home Office, have come to the UK; and two remain waiting for visas—one of them in hiding. Will it be possible for the Ministers to coordinate efforts with the Home Office to ensure that those who have paid-for studentships in the UK get their visas as soon as possible?
We already work very closely with the Home Office. I am more than happy to meet my right hon. Friend to discuss the case in more detail.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitments on visa processing were not given, only an offer for a meeting was made.
Response accuracy