Foreign students,
of which Nigeria accounts for a huge chunk of those coming from Africa, are to
be banned from working in Britain under a fresh crackdown on immigration
ordered by Home Secretary Theresa May. When their courses finish, they will
have to leave the country before reapplying to return for a job.
Ministers say the
new rules, which will apply to all those from outside the European Union, will
stop colleges being used as a “back door to a British work visa”.
Official figures
show that 121,000 non-EU students entered the UK in the 12 months to June last
year, but only 51,000 left – a net influx of 70,000.
The government
also estimates that the number of foreign students coming to the UK will rise
by more than 6 per cent a year up to 2020. Home Secretary Theresa May has taken
action against 870 bogus colleges, banning them from taking foreign students.
They want to stop
student visas being used as an easy way to enter the UK before getting a job
and claiming benefits. Under the new rules, non-EU students will be denied the
right to work while in the UK and will not be able to apply for a visa
extension when their course finishes.
Students will
have to leave the country before applying to return under a work visa.
The length of
stay is also expected to be cut to two years when the plans are unveiled this
week.
But universities
have warned that any clampdown could damage the sector and business leaders are
also wary of the move, warning it could rob Britain of vital skills.
DailyMailUk
reported that Seamus Nevin, head of employment and skills at the Institute of
Directors, said: “The Home Secretary's proposals to eject foreign students
after graduation are misguided and would damage the British education system, our
economy and global influence.
“Britain already
makes it difficult and artificially expensive for international students to
enter and stay, and now these proposals would eject them ignominiously when
their studies are finished.
“Restricting
talented workers from staying on in the UK would damage business and lead to a
loss of important skills. Shutting the door to highly-trained international
graduates at a time when our economy needs them most would be hugely damaging
for UK businesses.
“In the interest
of our education sector, our businesses, and our international standing, the
Home Secretary should reconsider this proposal.”
-Thisday
