UK Student Visas Increased For Non-EU Countries In 12 Months

02 Aug 2010

Labour’s Points-based immigration system was introduced to make harder for unskilled immigrants to Britain. But the impact was not as expected, the number of foreigners who came to Britain on student visas rose by a third to more than last year. The new system could not restrict the immigrants to enter the country on student visas. Despite unprecedented demand for college and university places at home, the number of students entering Britain increased by more than 75,000 in 12 months.

As per the points-based immigration system, students are required to have 40 points to come to Britain. Applicants receive 30 points for holding a course offer from a college or university, and 10 points for proving they can pay the fees and support themselves while in the country.

Damian Green, the immigration minister, said that there would be a thorough review of the rules. Mr.Green added: “We are committed to attracting the brightest and the best to the UK, and welcome legitimate students coming here for study. However, in the past there has been significant abuse of the student route, and we need to ensure that every student who comes to the UK is genuine.

It is expected that about 4000 illegal immigrants might have slipped into the country by taking advantage of bogus colleges. Last year, many colleges offered qualifications in subjects such as circus skills, acupuncture and ancient medicine and many of their students are given the right to work in Britain after graduating.