Westminster fails test on postgraduate work visas

HOSE who argue that the UK is not working well to protect Scotland’s interests seem to have little shortage of ammunition at present. The decision by UK immigration ministers to reject a proposed solution to the crisis over postgraduate work visas is a blow, and a baffling one, to hopes in the higher education sector and beyond.

The UK Government’s abolition of post-graduate study work visas is driven by concerns felt largely in the south of England about abuse of the system and immigration in general.

In Scotland, the impact of withdrawing these visas has been troubling. Despite an eagerness to encourage qualified students with valuable skills to stay and contribute after their studies, universities have seen a sharp decline in numbers staying on after graduation. The Scottish Affairs Select Committee has warned that the change has made Scotland a less attractive place to study. The UK Government’s justification is not necessarily wrong. Home Office minister Robert Goodwill argues that different immigration systems for different parts of the UK would be confusing and cause difficulties for employers.

But the inconsistency of that position is indefensible. Westminster has already set up a schemethatdoesjustwhatMr Goodwill objects to: allowing four elite universities south of the Border to pilot two year after study work visas. Scottish universities will not be able to join the scheme for two years, if it is deemed a success.

Allowing Scottish universities to operate a similar scheme seemed a sensible response. It would have allowed the UK Government to assess the potential for such a measure to address Scotland’s population needs and workforce shortages in sectors such as finance and health. If there are vacancies in Scottish lecture theatres, perhaps our universities could put on lectures in logic for ministers and a tutorial on the efficacy of evidencebased policy.