Report
The Committee's report on Student Visas was published on 17 March 2011 as the Seventh report of Session 2010-12, HC 773.
Additional written evidence has been published.
Terms of Reference
The Committee issued the following terms of reference on 7 December 2010:
- Whether the cuts should be limited to certain types of courses (e.g. pre-degree level);
- The impact different levels of cuts might have on the various sectors;
- The impact, if any, that reductions in student visas might have on the UK’s standing in the world;
- Whether cuts in student visas would have any effect on the decisions of highly qualified graduates to conduct research or take up teaching posts in the UK;
- Whether the post study route should be continued;
- The educational routes through which students come to the UK to study at degree level; and
- International comparisons.
Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP, Chair of the Committee, said:
“Education is one of this country’s greatest exports. International students often maintain trade and knowledge links with the UK for years after they have returned to their country of origin. The Home Affairs Committee are concerned that any arbitrary decision to restrict the number of international students will be of grave danger to the UK economy and reputation”
“By allowing interested parties to highlight how they might be affected by restrictions on Tier 4 visas, we hope to ensure that any restrictions proposed by the Government do not disadvantage a vibrant and successful industry.”
“We respect the fact that the Government wishes to tighten up the immigration system but feel that, as we stated in our recent report on the immigration cap, efforts would be far better directed towards tackling bogus colleges and those who overstay their visas in order to seek employment, than penalising legitimate students.”
Immigration Cap (HC 361) First Report of Session 2009-10
Bogus Colleges (HC 595) Eleventh Report of Session 2008-09