A report in The Times newspaper “completely dismantles” the Government’s argument for curbing the number of international students coming to the UK.
That is the view of Professor Dominic Shellard, Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) and a vocal critic of the Government’s policies on international students.
SPEAKING OUT: Professor Shellard addressing students and staff earlier this week
A leaked Government report obtained by The Times suggests only one per cent of international students break the terms of their visa and fail to leave the country after their course ends.
The Government had suggested tens of thousands of international students were illegally staying in the UK after their studies ended – a narrative which underpinned its policy to impose stricter conditions on students hoping to study in the UK from around the world.
The report suggests that figure is closer to 1,500, or one per cent of those who come to the UK to study at the world’s finest universities.
Prof Shellard said the Times report showed the dubious evidence base upon which the Government was announcing widespread policy.
He has launched a campaign called #loveinternational to celebrate the contribution made to academia and student life by international staff and students. He also hopes to provide reassurance that the Government’s view is not shared by UK universities.
International students are one of the largest groups who come to the UK, making them a target for the Government which has made it a manifesto pledge to reduce net migration.
Professor Shellard said: “If true, this finding completely dismantles the argument put forward by Amber Rudd as a motive for making it much harder for international students to study here.
“The Home Office may be stating that this report is inconclusive and “not completed” but its suggestion is clear: the basis for the Government’s policy proposals is misleading and false but the dangers it poses are very, very real.
“The diversity of international students on our campus makes it what it is and our country is enriched as a result of their presence here.”
The figures leaked to the Times were from a report commissioned by the Home Office. It is based upon data from exit checks, which provide details of travellers leaving British borders.
Previous estimates used by the Government had used the International Passenger Survey which estimates future trends from interviewing samples of travellers.
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Posted on Thursday 13 October 2016