UK immigration policy likely to become flexible?
UNDER REVIEW New immigration policy may be on the cards for UK
On a recent visit to India, a delegation of Universities Scotland, a representative body of Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions, informed that the Scottish government was lobbying hard with the British government for a flexible immigration policy, especially for students. According to members of the delegation, an advisory committee was currently reviewing the immigration policy and significant shifts that are student friendly could be announced. Amidst the pressure exerted by Brexit and concerns regarding a repeat of the Scottish referendum, the UK government is working on a well-integrated immigration policy, the representatives added.
According to Andrea Nolan, principal and vice chancellor of Edinburgh Napier Univesity as well as convener of Universities Scotland, the recent increase in number of Indian students visiting UK for study suggests that UK continues to be a popular choice.
Stricter immigration norms and work after study policies in recent years had made Indian students consider other non-traditional options for study abroad.
“We are here to let Indian students, businesses and other stakeholders know that we are open to building partnerships and fostering research relationships which will help address mutual challenges such as coping with expanded cities, increasing access to clean air, water and energy among others,” said Nolan.
Representatives of eleven of 19 higher education institutions from Scotland were accompanying Scotland’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney on an official visit to India. As part of the visit, the delegation met Indian universities and industry group representatives, government officials and alumna of Scottish higher education institutions. This is one of the largest delegations to have accompanied a Scottish minister to India.
“The increase in the number of Indian students in UK suggests we are open for business and Scotland is very excited to host Indian students,” said Richard A Williams, principal and vice chancellor of Heriot-Watt University and convener, Universities Scotland. “The two countries share some focus areas such as medical technologies, smart cities as well as life resources like food and water which form the framework within which mutual dialogue is grounded.”
Currently, 1500 Indian students are enrolled in universities across Scotland while a similar number of students are enrolled in remote learning programmes and non-UK campuses. According to Nolan, Indian students are motivated, keen to learn and want to fully engage with the overseas experience. Business, science and computing programmes are among the most popular disciplines with Indian students.
According to Williams, the two countries differ in terms of heritage yet share common contemporary challenges. “Our partnership is boosted by the fact that there is immense hunger in young students of both countries to resolve these global challenges,” he adds.
“Additionally, we shared a reciprocal relationship with the Indian government having invested resources in research institutions of Scotland.” Several research projects supported jointly by the governments of two countries are on areas such as treating water supplies in rural areas and strategic city planning which demonstrates a commitment and mutual interest in generating positive outcomes, he concludes.
As part of the visit, several universities have also announced new scholarship awards exclusively for Indian students.