The UK Border Agency last week announced that they were revoking London Metropolitan University’s Highly Trusted Status, which in turn means it can no longer teach its existing 2,600 non-EU International Students.
The repercussions of this are huge for a variety of reasons. Firstly it means 2,600 students now have 60 days to find a new institution or face deportation as well as having their right to application to enter the country refused for up to ten years. In addition it has also resulted in all new students being told to not to come to London or indeed find somewhere else to study. The move is something that is damaging to all universities in the country – with more restrictions on visas, the expulsion on the cap on international fees and the consequent drop in international students to the UK, this move makes the UK an inhospitable place for international students to study in.
The sabbatical team offer their full support and solidarity to all those affected and those fighting for the reversal of the move. In addition we condemn the actions of the UKBA and their decision, which not only drastically affects the lives of thousands, but is another part of the series of attacks that has hit Higher Education under this coalition government.
We urge all students and staff to do the following:
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Sign the petition calling for the reversal of this decision
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Send a letter to your MP, a model letter can be seen here
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Get to any protests on the matter – they’ll be easy to find online
Lastly, it is important to note that actions like these could be taken out on any university and that no-one is safe from scrutiny. It is important that we fight a precedence that is being set as well as arguing against the ill morals of this case.
Doug, Kenny, Jamie and Ian.
The SURHUL Sabbatical Team.