International Students – Home Office Questions – 22 Nov 2017
Yesterday, I asked the Immigration Minister what plans the Government has to make sure that post Brexit, the brightest and best international students are able to work here after their studies using their skills and talent for the benefit of the UK economy. Research by ComRes shows that 74% of people think that international students should be able to stay on the UK after their degrees to work before returning home. Most of the public don’t consider international students as immigrants and that’s why I pressed for their removal from the net migration figures that the government bases its targets on.
International students contribute significantly to the economy, directly contributing almost £170 million to our city economy through the Universities and local businesses. All I got from the Minister in response though were some warm words about the importance of international students but no answer on the critical issue of what will happen post Brexit.
Jo Stevens MP
Recent polling by ComRes showed that much of the British public do not consider international students to be immigrants and they want to see them work for a period here to contribute to the economy.
Will she commit to increasing the UK’s post-study work opportunities so we can continue to attract the brightest and best students to the UK after Brexit?
Brandon Lewis, Home Office Minister
Well the Honorable Lady raises a very good point, and these things are always kept under review, but I would just point out, in terms of students, students leaving university will be able to normally with a graduate job qualify under the Tier 2 visa system anyway and I would encourage them to do that.
http://www.jostevens.co.uk/international_students_home_office_questions
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