The student immigration system in Scotland
fifth report of session 2010-12, Vol. 1: Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence
Description:... In this report, the Scottish Affairs Committee warns that the proposed changes to the student visa system could have a disproportionate impact on Scottish universities and the Scottish economy. Given the size of the higher education sector in Scotland, and that the proposals are primarily designed to address a problem which is largely insignificant in Scotland, the high standard of Scottish education and the financial status of many institutions, could, unintentionally, be compromised and diminished. The MPs warn that Scottish circumstances were not adequately taken into account when proposals, that will apply across the UK, were drawn up, and they call for action to adjust the UK criteria accordingly. They believe that the visa proposals are likely to damage partnership working between universities and industry. International students choose to study in Scotland because of the opportunity to get a high standard of education and, often, the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in specialist subjects like petroleum engineering. A system that allows a certain number of international students to come to Scotland benefits the students, the universities and the Scottish economy. Changes to the immigration and visa system should not put this at risk. The Committee urges the government to address as a matter of urgency: the adverse impact of the proposals on the Scottish economy, the lack of focus in the proposals on bogus colleges rather than all, overwhelmingly reputable, institutions and the need to separately recognise students within the definition of immigrant.
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