Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Student Visa Eligibility: Impact on Higher Education Sector

Monday 17 July 2023 · 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister discussed recent talks with Home Secretary on student visa criteria changes.
  • Government aims to attract 600,000 international students annually to boost economy.
  • Minister referred visa-related inquiries to the Home Office for further action.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Joanna Cherry SNP
Context

The MP is concerned about the potential negative impact of new visa rules on UK universities' competitiveness and attractiveness.

Question

What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the potential impact of changes to the eligibility criteria for student visas on the competitiveness of the higher education sector?

Answer from Robert Halfon

As part of our commitment to have at least 600,000 students study in the UK every year, we have worked closely with the Home Office to strike the right balance between acting decisively on migration, being fair to the taxpayer and protecting our position as a world leader in higher education. We fully expect Britain to remain an attractive destination for students across the world.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specifically address any recent discussions with the Secretary of State or provide concrete details about visa eligibility criteria changes impacting competitiveness.

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Q2 Joanna Cherry SNP
Education Economy Scotland
Context

Research by Universities UK shows a significant economic benefit from international students to the constituency.

Question

My constituency's net economic benefit from international students is £170.8 million. The Government plan will harm my constituency, Scotland's economy and our educational institutions. Can you tell me if this plan demonstrates how the Union delivers for Scotland?

Answer from Robert Halfon

I mentioned that we have surpassed our target of 600,000 international students with 679,000 coming to our country. We agree that international students have a huge impact on the economy, up to £37 billion-plus.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether visa changes demonstrate Union delivery for Scotland; instead focused on overall student numbers and economic benefits.

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Q3 Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Con North Cotswolds
Immigration Education
Context

There is a consistent shortage of young graduates with digital skills in various Government Departments.

Question

Will the Minister consider making an application to the Home Office to encourage more visas for students who want to take digital degrees in this country?

Answer from Robert Halfon

My hon. Friend is learned in these matters, but they are for the Home Office. We are developing our digital skills at home with amazing digital apprenticeships. Half of our 670 apprenticeship standards are in STEM subjects and there are T-levels and higher technical qualifications in digital. We are spending on the digital skills that our local people need.

Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether he will apply to the Home Office for more visas; instead focused on domestic training programmes.

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