The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Migration has today launched an inquiry into the closure of the Post-Study Work (PSW) route for international students.
The popular route was closed in April 2012 despite widespread concern that doing so would damage the UK’s ability to compete in attracting international students.
The inquiry will examine the effect of the closure of this route on universities, students and local economies and the APPG is seeking comments on the following questions in particular:
- What has been the impact on international student numbers or demographic profile?
- What has been the impact on businesses and universities?
- Has there been any wider economic or social impact at local/regional level or nationally?
- How has the closure of the PSW route been viewed internationally and has it had any implications for foreign trade and commerce or wider diplomatic relations?
- What approach have the UK’s competitors in the international student market taken to post-study work opportunities?
The APPG says that it is seeking written submissions from Parliamentarians, universities, businesses, charities, students, lawyers, local government, employers, trades unions and other sources of relevant evidence. Individuals who have direct experience of the impact of the changes to the visa category, as well as support organisations and advisers, are particularly invited to share their views.
Written evidence should be submitted by 30 September 2014 via the APPG on Migration website or sent directly to info@appgmigration.org.uk. Evidence should not be sent directly to the Inquiry Committee members.
