Stop the attack on legitimate international students!

Tuesday 21-07-2015 - 17:08
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There are over 300,000 International Students (non-EU) studying at Universities in the UKInternational students not only contribute a great deal to our economy about £11billion (£5 Billion in tuition fees and further £6 billion in their expenses off campus) but they also add to the cultural diversity of our Universities. The £10 Billion contribution to the economy by international students has generated over 62,380 full time equivalent jobs yet the government seems to think international students are just money generating machines.

Over the past few years this government has consistently attacked legitimate international students. The post study work visa has been cut and students are forced to leave as soon as they finish their course, with many finding it difficult to attend graduations.

The treatment international students are receiving from the government is appalling and now they are making it even more worse than it was ever before, Theresa may recently announced changes to the Tier – 4 visa which allows international students to study in the UK:

  1. International students studying at a publicly funded institute will not be able to take any part time work opportunities. Previously all students were allowed to take work opportunities for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and unlimited outside their term time. Many international students used this to meet their expenses here in UK and this will affect them
  2. Students who are in UK and wanted to spend longer time (because of resit / extension or sabbatical officer or placements or internships) in the UK than originally planned would need to show £9000 in bank account in order to obtain a new visa.
  3. Dependants of international students will be unable to take a low or unskilled job.
  4. The Maintenance requirement to get a tier 4 visa will be increased so students will be required to show more money in accounts to obtain a visa to study in the UK.
  5. Students will be banned from being able to switch visas in the UK, and will be required to apply from outside the UK (from November)

The UK has already lost its place as a popular destination for international students and these harsh changes mean many students may drop out of their courses or simply go to elsewhere. The UK sooner or later is at risk of losing the vital money that it receives from International students, meaning there will be more cuts in the near future. 

All of us at the Students’ Union condemn these recent changes and will demand the government to rethink their approach on international students. We will continue to support fairer post study visa scheme.

The students’ will be working closely with the National Union of Students to oppose these regulations. We want to encourage UK/EU students to join in this quest for equality and justice in treatment towards your fellow students.

We strongly urge students to stand together, be alert and active in the upcoming campaigns. This is the point we show the UK government that we absolutely refuse to allow students to be treated as cash cows and we need to be strong in doing so.

There is power in unity and we should have a united front.

 

The University of Salford Students' Union Sabbatical Officer Team

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campaigns, international students, visas, attack, Sabbatical officers,

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