Congress motions

Motion

Motion title

Points based immigration and restrictions on post-study work visas

Session

2010-2011

Meeting link

HE conference

Meeting date

28 May 2011

Status

Passed

Motion

HE42

Motion text

Conference notes the intention to cut the number of visas for international students as part of its 'clampdown' on immigration. Conference further notes the recent survey by LSE SU which revealed that restrictions on post-study work visas will have a serious impact upon overseas students' willingness to come to the UK. Conference notes that the greatest impact will be on students from less developed countries who depend upon a period of working in the UK to pay their high costs of study. Conference notes that if students cannot bring their families with them they will also not study here.

Blaming students for 'abusing' the visa system is a 'divide and rule strategy', seeking to blame immigrants rather than bankers and politicians. Many university courses will be unviable without overseas students, and excluded students may not find equivalent courses elsewhere.

UCU policy is noncompliance with discriminatory institutional monitoring of overseas students, and for branches to publicise this, and support members.

Conference recognises that curbs on immigration play into the hands of organisations of the far right. Conference notes that HE students have a negligible impact on net immigration and overseas students boost the economy by £5 billion annually.

Conference deplores this senseless move damaging to universities and education opportunities; the Government is seeking a misguided solution to a problem caused by a reckless promise to reduce immigration below achievable levels made by the Conservatives in their election campaign.

Conference instructs the HEC:

to intensify its campaign against these limits, and the scapegoating of students;
to cooperate with organisations opposing these moves
seek a joint approach with UUK to make representations against these limits, and in ending discriminatory monitoring
issue renewed advice to branches, and refresh information on the website.

Proposing body

Composite

Amended

No

Allocated to

Higher education committee (HEC)

Notes