Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

International Students and Researchers: Immigration Rules

Monday 6 December 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions focus on reforming immigration rules to improve high-skilled migration for international students and researchers.
  • The number of EU students studying in UK universities has declined significantly since the previous year in all regions of the UK.
  • The Home Office works closely with ministers to coordinate efforts for Afghan scholars sponsored by the Council for At-Risk Academics.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Martyn Day SNP
Immigration
Context

Discussions on immigration rules for international students and researchers participating in education in the UK are requested.

Question

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?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details of recent discussions on immigration rules were not provided.

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Q2 Martyn Day SNP
Education Brexit
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans to repair the damage caused by Brexit were not detailed.

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Q3 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Immigration
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitments on visa processing were not given, only an offer for a meeting was made.

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