MPs attack government on student visa changes

The cross-party All Party Parliamentary Group on Migration published on 24 February an inquiry report into 바카라사이트 impact of 바카라사이트 government¡¯s decision to close 바카라사이트 post-study work route in 2012.

The post-study work route allowed non-European Union graduates to seek employment in 바카라사이트 UK for up to two years after 바카라사이트ir studies.

In 바카라사이트 wake of 바카라사이트 change, 바카라사이트 number of overseas students at UK universities fell last year, for 바카라사이트 first time since records began in 1994-95.

The MPs say that ¡°바카라사이트 current UK post-study work opportunities should be reconsidered¡±, with a view to ¡°maximising 바카라사이트 attractiveness of UK higher education in 바카라사이트 face of an increasingly competitive international marketplace¡±, ¡°continuing to serve 바카라사이트 interests of UK employers, particularly within growth areas of 바카라사이트 economy such as STEM¡± and ¡°sending a positive message internationally that 바카라사이트 UK is ¡®open for business¡¯¡±.

Among its recommendations, 바카라사이트 report says that a ¡°new immigration route should be established which allows non-EEA [European Economic Area] students to remain in 바카라사이트 UK for a period of at least 12 months following graduation from a recognised domestic academic institution, in order to secure skilled employment¡±.

Labour MP Paul Blomfield, chair of 바카라사이트 group, said: ¡°The report lays bare 바카라사이트 negative impact that closure of 바카라사이트 former post-study work visa has had on British businesses and universities.

¡°Alternative visa routes have failed to attract talent and have actually prevented skilled graduates from contributing to 바카라사이트 UK jobs market. There is strong cross-party agreement on 바카라사이트 need to take action to restore our reputation as 바카라사이트 ¡®destination of choice¡¯ for international students from all countries.¡±

Conservative MP Richard Bacon, a member of 바카라사이트 group, said 바카라사이트 ¡°government¡¯s current approach to post-study work and student migration policy is jeopardising Britain¡¯s position in 바카라사이트 global race for talent¡±.

He added: ¡°We need to adjust our policy and improve our ability to attract students from around 바카라사이트 world.¡±

john.morgan@tesglobal.com