Poll Says Scots Welcome International Students

The majority of people in Scotland recognise the benefits of international students with 83 per cent agreeing they should be able to work in the UK for a fixed period of time after they have graduated, rather than return immediately to their home country after completing their studies.

The polling conducted by ComRes on behalf of Universities UK demonstrates strong support among the general public for international students and piles pressure on Theresa May to stop including them in immigration figures.

The polling found:

•             In relation to the UK government’s immigration policy, only 27% of adults in Scotland think of international students as immigrants
•             71% of adults in Scotland think international students have a positive impact on the local economies of the towns and cities in which they study
•             67% of adults in Scotland agree that this economic contribution helps to create jobs
•             70% of adults in Scotland think that international students have a valuable social and cultural impact on the towns and cities in which they live
•             83% of adults in Scotland agree that international students should be able to work in the UK for a fixed period of time after they have graduated, rather than immediately return to their home country after completing their study

A report last year by the Scottish Affairs Committee found an “overwhelming consensus” among Scotland’s academic and business communities for a post study work visa for Scotland.

Commenting, Margaret Ferrier MP, a member of the Scottish Affairs Committee said:

“The SNP have repeatedly called for the reintroduction of the post study work visa, which allowed international students to remain in Scotland and work after graduation. The call has been backed by businesses, colleges and universities, and has cross party support in the Scottish Parliament amongst every political party represented in Holyrood.

“Scotland has been challenged by the UK Government to grow its population and use what is available within its powers to develop our working age population. A post study work scheme is an easy and convenient way for Westminster to assist with this without any cost to itself. 
 
“The message is clear: allow us to keep some of the international students that we educate to such a high standard and invite them to help us grow our economy.  Westminster can’t have it both ways –if it is up to us to grow our population then Scotland should control the means to do just that."

Image: Margaret Ferrier MP