Why treating London Met students badly isn’t a sign of the times

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As we are aware on 29^th August London Metropolitan University’s Highly Trusted Sponsor status was withdrawn by the UKBA. 2700 students now have to find a new sponsor in 60 days or face deportation.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 5^th 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