Professor Chris Imafidon, chair of the ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk who was invited back to parliament to contribute to the national debate on this hostile policy, starts by saying that “The King is son of a Greek migrant, the Prime Minister and six senior ministers are children of migrants. Therefore, why is the country pursing such an extreme anti-foreigner policy while benefiting from the rich talent and energy of foreigners?” This is based on a distorted belief that migration is not a net contribution to the economy. It’s a fundamentally flawed emotional or electoral argument while ignoring the obvious economic and other gains. The economic cost of this new policy is a massive £41.9 billion, this is based on the latest figures from Universities UK International.
NEW HOSTILE POLICY
The new repulsive and ill-advised policy include:
– Banning international students from bringing dependents unless they are on postgraduate courses currently designated as research programmes;
– Removing the ability for international students to switch out of the student route into work routes before their studies have been completed;
This new British immigration policy of denying bonafide international students’ families’ access to the United Kingdom has several damaging economic implications for British universities and other higher education providers or allied industry. They are too many to discuss as they include erosion of billions of pounds from university revenue, severe reduction in lecturers employment, drastic reduction in international influence, reduction in Tuition fees.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Devastating impact on universities: UK Government immigration policies would have a devastating impact on UKuniversities and cost the country’s economy billions. It will also negatively impact on students and staff: The impact of UK immigration policies on students and staff in further and higher education is negative, as it makes it harder for them to bring their families to the UK and can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness
.
Reduction in international students: The UK government is looking to reduce migration, which could impact international students’ ability to study in Britain
. This could lead to a reduction in the number of international students attending British universities, which would have a negative impact on the economy.
Loss of tuition fee income: International students have a positive economic impact on the UK, and the loss of international students could lead to a loss of tuition fee income from non-EU students
Restrictions on family members: Partners and children of graduate students other than those studying on courses designated as research programmes will no longer be allowed to apply to live in the UK during the course
This would lead to a reduction in the number of international students attending British universities, as they may choose to study in countries where they can bring their families with them.
Negative impact on the economy: The reduction in international students attending British universities could have a negative impact on the economy, as international students contribute to the economy through tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses
Financial instability
Since the pandemic and associated covid related lockdown, many UK universities are experiencing financial instability, and dependency on international student tuition revenue has over-exposed the market to dramatic shifts in political policies, both domestic and internationally, that could significantly impact operational success,
PARENTAL PANIC
There are concerns about jeopardizing international student flows to the UK: The Home Office is evidently turning international students into “political footballs.” They want to gain short-term popularity with right-wing sections of the electorates. But parents and prospective students around the globe hear the hostile rhetoric and worry about what rules will be in place if they choose the UK. So the USA, Canada, EU and even Australia etc are now more popular for talented youths. It is vital that the UK remains an open and welcoming destination for international students.
THE BILLION POUND QUESTION
According to the latest figures from Universities UK International, the economic cost of the new immigration policy is a massive £41.9 billion. Here are some details related to the cost of immigration policies for international students in the UK:
Tuition fees: Before the end of free movement, universities in England could charge UK and EU students up to £9,250 per year for undergraduate degree programmes. Postgraduate degree tuition fees vary substantially, depending on the university and the skill level1
Immigration health surcharge: Those applying for a student visa and coming to the UK for 6 months or longer will be required to pay an immigration health surcharge as part of their visa application fee. Students will be required to pay £470 per year for the duration the visa will be granted3
National Insurance payments: International students are thought to generate relatively little cost through demands on public services such as education for children and health. They are required to pay National Insurance payments, which generate revenue for the UK government. The estimated revenue from National Insurance payments is £1.2bn from EU students and £2bn from non-EU students
Economic cost: The economic cost of the new immigration policy is a massive £41.9 billion, according to the latest figures from Universities UK International1
Overall, the cost of immigration policies for international students in the UK includes tuition fees, immigration health surcharge, and National Insurance payments. The economic cost of the new immigration policy is a massive £41.9 billion.
GLOBAL vs LOCAL BRITAIN
Millions of pounds was spent promoting the UK after Brexit and the government tagged the campaign “Global Britain”. This policy clearly contradicts this well-articulated worldwide re-branding of a forward looking country. This singular bill on international students derails all the hard work by dedicated civil servants because of a few misguided political actors who belief that emotional decisions should trump well-reasoned economic arguments and reality. Britain may be a geographic island but economically its connected to the world.
Professor Chris Imafidon is chair, ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk, an alliance of inner-city educational charities and institutions that mentors youths, women and professionals in the commonwealth. He is a multi-Guinness World record holder; internationally renowned adviser to monarchs, governments, presidents and corporate leaders; Mentor to multi-millionaire tech entrepreneurs & many world record holders. His STEM and other research and innovation have been recognised internationally, winning multiple awards. Professor Imafidon is 5X International Bestselling author; Mentor to New York Times Bestellers and a Sunday Times Op-ed author, a Wall Street Journal BestSelling author and He was the Chair/Co-ordinator of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee STEM & Education programme . [Twitter @ChrisImafidon; Instagram @CoImafidon; Facebook/Linkedln/ClubHouse –Professor Chris Imafidon
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