University raises student visa fears

The university called on all parties to reassure overseas students who were thinking of coming to Britain

New immigration laws could have a "negative impact on the UK as a study destination", a university vice chancellor said.

Prof Ebrahim Adia, from the University of Wolverhampton, said this "could have a damaging impact on jobs, student opportunities and university finances, alongside wider impacts on local economies".

The Home Office said it wanted to ensure only genuine students can come to the UK.

The measures, introuduced in January, include tougher rules on financial self-sufficiency, a restriction on remote-learning and penalties for institutions which accept students who subsequently fail visa checks.

The government said it is also considering changes to English language assessments, with the aim of "ensuring all international students are equipped with the skills to understand their course materials".

Prof Adia said the university was "very proud" to attract students from 130 countries and "their presence on our campuses has a very positive impact on the University, the city and the region".

He said he wanted all political parties to reassure prospective students "that the UK remains open, and the graduate visa is here to stay".

Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, said: “It is right that we strike the balance between controlling immigration and making sure the UK remains the 'go to’ place for students around the world."

The changes introduced by the government follow a review of graduate visas and the government said it warned "rogue recruitment agents pose a threat to the integrity of our immigration system".

The government also said it recognised the value of international students, but "remains concerned that the route is not attracting the highest earners who contribute to our economy".