‘A step backward from fostering an inclusive, productive economy’

IN condemning the new policy as “xenophobic, discriminatory, and morally reprehensible.”

They also noted the potential mental impact, stating that “the mental health of students is already strained” and that “to remove their support system is cruel and thoughtless,” finally adding that “I hold Exeter University to a high standard and expect a statement condemning the policy.”

With this policy change in mind, the Students' Guild commented that "the changes to Government policy on international students coming to the UK with dependents will greatly impact our ability to welcome a diverse intake of international students. This is negative for students wishing to come here, and also for students already here who will not be able to benefit from the enriching experience of being part of a diverse community." The Guild added that they are "working to fully understand the implications this policy may have and how we can best support students. We want to reassure currently enrolled students that these policy changes will not impact their right to remain studying at the University, and we welcome students to utilise our Advice team if they have any concerns or queries."

In response to request for comment on this policy change, the University of Exeter deferred to the recent comment given by Universities UK (UUK), an advocacy group comprised of 140 UK universities and colleges, including Exeter. UUK International Director Jamie Arrowsmith said: “International students make an invaluable contribution to our universities and to the UK’s economy” in stating that a single cohort of international students deliver a total benefit of £41.9 billion. Although Arrowsmith emphasised that “the vast majority of students will be unaffected by proposals”, and that “more information is needed on the programmes […] before a proper assessment of the impact can be made,” there was also a reminder that “any changes are likely to have a disproportionate impact on women and students from certain countries.” UUK have urged the government to “work with the sector to limit and monitor the impact on particular groups of students — and on universities.”

UUK’s statement concluded by stating that, “our collective aim must be to ensure that international students who choose the UK can be confident that they are welcome here, that their contribution is valued, and that the terms on which they have made decisions remain stable.”

Similar criticism has come from other, non-international students, with one stating that the changes would “discourage international students from studying in the UK and also make them feel less welcome and comfortable to be here.” University of Exeter’s

Multicultural Society were also vocal in their condemnation. Publicity Officer Ratan Kachwalla told Exeposé that their society view this decision as “a step backwards from fostering an inclusive, productive economy, which would ultimately benefit from immigrants’ diverse perspective and valuable skills.” Kachwalla noted that “international students in the UK face significant challenges pertaining to racial discrimination, financial constraints and social mobility,” and that these new laws will “exacerbate these issues, and amplify the current economic and social disparities that ironically the levelling-up government policy aims to mitigate against.”