Gavin raises post-study work visa concerns
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has challenged the Secretary of State for Scotland about the damage that the UK government is doing to the reputation of Scotland’s universities and colleges.
During Questions to the Scottish Secretary, Gavin Newlands MP challenged David Mundell MP over the UK government’s decision to cancel the post study work visa for those international students who want to continue to work and live in Scotland after their graduation.
The Scottish National Party is calling for the Post Study Work Visa to be reinstated and is supported by Scotland’s universities, colleges, businesses and all the main political parties represented in the Scottish Parliament.
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:
“For the past few years, the UK government has shown a complete disregard for Scotland’s higher education sector through the removal of the post study work visa.
“The post study work visa gave those international students the opportunity to work and live in Scotland after they had graduated from one of our universities. The removal of the post study work visa has effectively meant that these student are not able to continue to live or work here.
“This obviously does significant damage to our international reputation but it’s also an economically illiterate policy to devise as it means these students are not able to contribute back to the country that has helped provide them with an excellent higher education.
“With the negative tone pursued by the UK government over the EU referendum, combined with the removal of the post study work visa, it’s becoming increasing clear that this UK government is out-of-step with what’s best for our universities.”
