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An ‘unwelcoming’ UK has led to an unprecedented fall in international Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (Stem) student numbers, according to a House of Lords Science and Technology Committee report.
The Lords inquiry looked specifically at the numbers of international students in Stem subjects, and whether the UK’s immigration policy has had any impact. The report, entitled International Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem) students, called on the government to rethink its “contradictory” immigration policy.
The government is simultaneously committed to reducing net migration and attracting increasing numbers of international students (15–20% over the next five years). This contradiction could be resolved if the government removed students, who comprise a majority of non-EU immigrants, from the net figures.
The Lords report said it was concerned by the fact that international Stem student enrolments have fallen by more than 10% in the past two years.
Lord Krebs, chair of the committee, said: “When we really need to send the message that international Stem students will get a warm welcome in the UK, they’re getting the cold shoulder and heading elsewhere.
“We’ve seen over the last few years how international student numbers have fallen dramatically, in particular from India. We’re missing out on the talent, the economic and cultural contribution that these students bring when they come here to study, and our competitors are reaping the rewards.”
Krebs said there was overwhelming evidence that changes to the immigration rules had played a direct part in putting overseas students off the UK. “The rules are seen as too complex and subject to endless changes, the visa costs are not competitive, and the rules relating to work after study are so limiting that prospective students are heading to the US, Australia, Canada and elsewhere.”
He called on the coalition to overhaul immigration policy. It needs to do away with the new rules on working after study, he said.
“Allowing just four months for a student to find work after graduation is more or less tantamount to telling overseas students they’d be better off going to study elsewhere.”
Manufacturers’ organisation the EEF voiced its concerns about immigration restrictions. Tim Thomas, head of employment and skills policy, said: “The government must stop burying its head in the sand and realise that current policy and rhetoric around student migration is sending a negative image to the rest of the world.
“Manufacturers remain dumbfounded at the cost and complexity of the migration system as well as the decision to abolish the post-study work route.
“We wholly support the committee’s recommendations to tackle these issues head on including immediately reinstating the post-study work route and bringing costs in line with our international competitors.”