Developing a Future, Policies for Science and Research

The Association of Business Schools welcomes the recent policy decision made as a result of the proposals put forward in the: Developing a Future, Policies for Science and Research document  (by Dr Julian Huppert MP) at the Liberal Democrat Party conference yesterday, the proposals have now been agreed at party policy level.

The document suggests that broadly speaking:

• The Liberal Democrat Party support Tier 4 but without the undue restrictions;
• Students should not be counted as immigrants and the UN Standard should be revised to reflect this;
• Students should be encouraged to remain in the country post study;
• A clear route to work should be set to encourage scientists and researchers into the UK;
• The process for granting academic visas should be made easier; and
• Immigration systems should remain flexible to recruit skilled students from outside of the EEA.

Paul Marshall, Chief Executive, Association of Business Schools said:

“The visa and immigration issues highlighted in the recent media coverage around London Metropolitan University and the UK Borders Agency (UKBA) have understandably raised concerns within the international student community; also the impact to UK plc has been a concern.

Now is the time to reassure international students that British business schools and universities are still very much open for business and indeed keen to maintain and foster links with students from around the globe.

The UK offers word class research, learning and teaching facilities with eminent academics within its business school community, you as an international student are very much welcome to our country and our globally renowned education system.
The ABS is today holding its first fringe event (in its 20 year history) at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference further details can be found *here*.
 

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