As London
continues to celebrate the success of the Olympics and discussions are held
about the warm welcome given to international communities, athletes and
visitors a shadow has emerged that has dampened the spirit of the games.
As we are aware on 29th August London Metropolitan University’s
Highly Trusted Sponsor status was withdrawn by the UKBA. 2700 students now have
to find a new sponsor in 60 days or face deportation. Needless to say this is a
terrible situation for students.
The London
Film School Students' Union gives its full support to the London Metropolitan University
students and staff who are currently in limbo after the UKBA decision.
We ask that the government changes
it’s policy so that international students are not included in ‘net migration’
numbers, that the term ‘bogus students’ is removed and that students are not
deported but instead are allowed to continue their studies at London Met.
Those within the teaching field saw
this coming and I quote from an excellent source, “Students should never have
been included in ‘net migration’ numbers. The term ‘bogus students’ should have
been an outlawed phrase considering the student rules brought in during 2008
and it ought to have been gotten rid of then”.
Whilst Richard Lambert wrote in the FT, “A
target to cut net immigration to the “tens of thousands” by 2015 puts
international students – who represented two-fifths of total immigration in
2010-11 – in the line of fire. According to a recent analysis from the IPPR
think-tank, meeting the target could mean cutting foreign student numbers by
about 50,000”.
Another source stated, “Theresa May and Damien Green came up
with totally unworkable new immigration targets and chose international
students as an easy target”.
For these students affected by the
UKBA’s decision it is a distressing time. Some are abroad preparing to fly to
London, they are fearful that they will not be allowed into the country. For
others their situation is not helped by international governmental
organisations contacting them to find out what is happening. It has been
suggested that their scholarships will be taken away.
This is of course not fair. Students
at London Met have no control over what happens at London Met. They are
innocent bystanders caught up in the government’s political game of how to
bring down immigration figures. If it were a boxing match the government would
be the ones giving the low-down dirty punches.
Universities Minister David Willetts
says it will all be ok, real students will have aid to find a sponsor, whilst
the rest will be deported. Perhaps his tone is why students whether UK citizens
or international don’t really trust him. Can he explain what a ‘real student’
looks like?
Did UKBA have to place students in
such a precarious position? No they could have allowed students to complete
their studies.
London Met
attracts international students from across the globe, combined with all
international students a total of £4billion is brought into the UK economy. The UK benefits from the global
connections that international
students generate.
Many of the main source countries are also key export
markets (and foreign policy priorities) including China, India and the USA.
Havn’t we all seen George Osbourne in China courting the Chinese government as
the UK economy takes nosedive after nosedive.
International students have
contributed to the rich experience of London Met. We know that many
organsations are watching what happens to their students and will assess this
situation. How it will affect future international students coming to the UK is
yet to be seen.
Studying abroad is meant to be fun,
for some it is a once in a lifetime chance to visit the UK. Many come to
experience London’s culture, arts and it’s renowned melting pot known for
welcoming all. To find themselves in the middle of government policy to bring
down immigration numbers is deeply worrying and unjust.
The warm welcome that can be given to
international visitors as witnessed during the Olympics ought to be extended to
international students.
The National Union of Students (NUS)
has created an online petition. http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/support-for-london-metropolitan-university-and-internat1.html Please sign it to show your individual support for students at London Met.
The NUS wants to hear your stories.
If you think the government’s rules are hostile to international students and
if you think the UKBA’s decision would make you think twice about studying in
the UK please email me corine.dhondee@lfs-students.org.uk and I will pass on student views to
the NUS.
If you would like to add a group
photo or an individual photo to show your support for London Met students
Education Activist Network has set up a site for more details go here http://handsoffourclassmates.tumblr.com/
On Wednesday 5th September at 1pm a
lobby of UKBA will be held at the Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF in support of international students. The
lobby has been called by London Met, UCU and London Met Unison, and is supported
by NUS Black Students' Campaign, Education Activists Network, National Campaign
Against Fees and Cuts, and University of London Union. The petition will be
handed in to the home office. If you want to attend please contact
corine.dhondee@lfs-students.org.uk
Needless to say London Film School is
committed to the welfare and education of its students.
Corine Dhondee SU President London
Film School
