GuildHE responds to the Government's Immigration White Paper

Dr Brooke Storer-Church, Chief Executive Officer of GuildHE, said:

"Our institutions are committed to working with ministers to uphold the UK’s strong compliance record and to ensure the integrity of our international education offer. UK institutions take these responsibilities seriously and stand ready to support efforts that address genuine misuse of the immigration system. 

"However, we are concerned some of the proposed reforms will destabilise our smaller-scale, regional institutions delivering on national priorities. A 6% levy on international student income, especially without safeguards or fair distribution methods, risks undermining institutions providing courses in teaching, healthcare, construction, agri-tech and the creative industries; industries critical to our ability to meet 21st century challenges.

"Cutting the Graduate Route from 24 to 18 months sends a damaging signal internationally at a time when the UK could be taking advantage of volatility in the global student market to attract those who might normally study in the US. Curtailing this route would risk not only our global competitiveness, but would further compromise the future of smaller-scale, specialist and locally-focused providers delivering key skills needed by our economy. Immigration policy must not come at the cost of the very institutions driving the UK’s skills agenda."