The Director of Universities Scotland, Alastair Sim, has responded to the written ministerial statement issued by the Home Office Secretary on graduate visas.
He argued that “International students make an invaluable contribution to Scotland, not just our universities and the wider economy.”
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What The Director of Universities Scotland Said
In response to the statement Sim want “the UK Government to work with the sector, across the UK, to first understand and then reflect on the likely impact of these changes on universities and their wider communities.”
According to the reaction sighted by NewStori, Sim further affirmed thus:
After months of speculation, we have clarity from the UK Government. We welcome the commitment to retaining the post-study work visa which benefits both students and employers. It also helps retain talent in Scotland which is critical given our demographic challenges.
“Less welcome is the decision to restrict visas to the dependents of international students below PhD level. It will be very important that the UK Government works with the sector, across the UK, to first understand and then reflect on the likely impact of these changes on universities and their wider communities.
“International students make an invaluable contribution to Scotland, not just our universities and the wider economy. Last week, research showed the economic benefit of international students in Scotland is £4.75 billion and there exists broad public and political support for international students coming to Scotland.
“Ultimately, talent knows no borders. We want to have the sharpest, most inquisitive minds learning, teaching and researching here in Scotland. That benefits not just their university, but the nation and the world as a whole. International students need to know they are always welcome in Scotland.”
The Decision The UK Made On International Students Migrating With Their Dependants
Recall that the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, had discussed plans to curb immigration processing through education routes due to an unprecedented rates recorded recently.
To this effect, the Conservative Party’s agenda is now becoming realistic with the recent announcement that international students who are to study for their Masters will not be able to relocate to the UK with their dependants while those for research purposes will be allowed with effect from January 2024.
