Student visa clampdown will cost UK £3.6 billion, MPs claim

A clampdown on Tier 4 foreign students is set to cost the British economy £3.6billion, MPs will claim today, The Sun reports.

A report from the Commons Home Affairs Committee accuses Home Secretary Theresa May of endangering the nation's recovery.

The MPs argue the country will lose the revenue from non-EU pupils' tuition fees as well as tax on their future earnings.

More than 300,000 non-EU students came last year. Many will use loopholes to stay on when their visas run out. Home Office plans to slash the numbers have already been watered down after a revolt by Business Secretary Vince Cable.

The committee accused the Government of rushing the legislation. Chairman Keith Vaz said: "We need an evidence-based policy which does not adversely affect the economy." Source: The Sun.

The BBC reported yesterday that the Scottish Affairs Committee warned that tighter student visa restrictions will have a disproportionate impact in Scotland.

The MPs claimed that abuse of the current system was “largely insignificant” in the Scottish context, which earns £500 million from non-EU students.

Immigration Adviser for Bison UK, Cynthia Barker said:

'International students contribute over £40 billion to the UK economy, so the losses could be far higher than £3.6 billion.'

Bison UK are currently offering free advice sessions to student worried about the impact of the 4 July changes to the Tier 4 student visa immigration rules.

The UK is the second most popular destination for international students, after the US, but following the recent Tier 4 rule changes and the government’s pledge to slash the number of students and migrants coming into the country it remains to see how long it will retain this position.

See also:

Competition between Universities and private providers for home students hots up

New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force

Wanted by UK Government – 1000 exceptionally talented migrants

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