Two of our Executive Officers attended an event at the UK Parliament hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group for International Students.
Two of our Executive Officers, Tahmid Khan (President) and Hassam Naeem (Vice President Liberation, International and Postgraduates), attended an event at the UK Parliament hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group for International Students. The purpose of this event was to launch the Russell Group Students’ Union (RGSU) International Student Survey, with many sabbatical officers present from their network.
This exciting event brought together sabbatical officers as well as key stakeholders like Afzal Khan MP and Abtisam Mohamed MP. Also present was Lord Bilimoria, Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for International Students and President of UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), who highly praised the survey for its emphasis on international students' rights. It also highlighted the wide-ranging contributions international students make to the UK. Queen Mary Students’ Union was one of the contributing Students’ Unions to the RGSU survey and its insights have been used to inform our lobbying efforts.
As the Government’s Immigration White Paper had been released a few days prior, our Exec used this great opportunity to lobby against some of the proposed changes that could potentially negatively affect our international students. Proposed changes include a reduction of the Graduate Route visa from 24 months to 18 months, an application of these new rules to international students already in the UK, and an extension of the time required to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain from 5 years to 10 years. Alongside other attendees, our Exec actively lobbied for the protection of the Graduate Route via (Post-Study Work visa) and urged MPs to retain it in its current form.
That’s not all! Our Exec also advocated for greater flexibility in the work rights of international students, allowing students to engage in self-employment and to run small businesses alongside their studies. This would give our international students more opportunities to support themselves while contributing to the UK economy at the same time.
Speaking on the experience, our Executive Officers said:
"I’m proud to have attended the launch of Globally Competitive: A Report on the International Student Experience by the Russell Group Students’ Union and UKCISA. With growing hostility toward international students, it’s crucial we highlight the real, data-driven benefits of migration. This report offers vital recommendations for universities and policymakers alike. A huge congratulations to all involved in championing such an important cause."
-- Tahmid Khan, President
"With around 5,000 students responding to that survey across Russell Group universities, I am incredibly proud of it—not only because it highlights the issues and challenges faced by international students, but also because it offers valuable recommendations and solutions that can support future lobbying efforts. This report is a significant win for RGSUs and UKCISA, and it has the full potential to play an instrumental and pivotal role in shaping international student policies in the future."
-- Hassam Naeem, Vice President Liberation, International and Postgraduates
This is a great step towards ensuring our international students are being supported by the UK Government and a marker of the great work that our Executive Officers have been doing this academic year!