Universities UK responded today to the publication of the
Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report on the
impacts of international students in the UK.
Responding to the report, Professor Dame Janet Beer,
President of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of the
University of Liverpool, said: “While the report
recognises the enormous contribution international students make
to life in the UK, we are disappointed with its main
recommendations. We agree that the government and the sector
should continue to work together to grow the number of
international students, but growth will only be possible if we
have an immigration system that encourages talented international
students to choose the UK.
“The ability to work in a skilled job for a limited period after
graduation is, for many prospective international students, an
important part of the overall package when deciding where to
study. Universities UK called last week for a new graduate visa
that would make the UK more attractive to students and would
allow a wider range of employers, in all parts of the UK, to
benefit from access to talented graduates from around the world.
This improved post-study visa would put us on a par with what is
offered by countries such as the US, Canada and Australia.
“While the UK continues to count international students as
long-term migrants in its net migration target, there is a
continued pressure to reduce their numbers. This adds to the
perception that they are not welcome here. In countries such as
the US, Canada and Australia, international students are
classified as temporary migrants, alongside tourists and
visitors. A change of policy from government in this area would
have public backing. Polling suggests that the British public
does not see international students as long-term migrants, but as
valuable, temporary visitors.
“We know from the latest government data that there
is very high visa compliance by international students. The vast
majority come to the UK for a period of study, then return home.
“This is an area in which the UK can say it is truly
world-leading. While the UK remains one of the most popular
locations in the world for talented international students and
staff, we have seen a slowdown in recent years compared to other
countries. The UK could be doing much better than this, with the
potential to be one of the world’s fastest growing destinations
for international students and staff. There is now a real
opportunity for the UK to develop an immigration policy that
recognises the value of international students as temporary
visitors and tells the world that they are welcome here.”
