Nigel Evans, Member of Parliament for the Ribble Valley, today raised the difficulties that many foreign pupils have in obtaining visas to study in the UK under new immigration rules. Speaking at questions to the Secretary of State for Home Affairs, Mr Evans said: “It is right to have a rigorous visa regime in place and it is right that we root out phoney language centres that pose as a front. However, can I invite the Minster when he is wandering around the country in the coming weeks to visit Stonyhurst College in my constituency to hear the difficulties that many legitimate students face obtaining visas?” Later, Mr Evans added: “Foreign students are a vital component of many independent schools and we must ensure that whilst having a rigorous visa regime in place to stop illegal immigrants, we do not prevent genuine foreign students from accessing some of the best education the UK has to offer. I am pleased that the Minister has agreed to visit Stonyhurst College and I look forward to talking to him further about this issue.” |