All of Scotland's colleges have joined hands to back the Scottish government's call to reintroduce a post study work visa for Scotland. The news comes as representatives of all major political parties in Scotland met for the first time to work on reintroducing the post study work route to Scotland. Liz Smith (Conservative), John Finnie (Independent), Claire Baker (Labour), and Liam McArthur (Liberal Democrats) met Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf ahead of a formal meeting of the Cross Party Steering Group later this summer.
A statement of support for reintroducing the visa scheme has now gathered 160 signatures, including 25 of Scotland's publicly funded colleges, the sector body Colleges Scotland, Universities Scotland the representative body for Scotland’s 19 Higher Education Institutions and representatives from across industry.
The National Indian Students Union (UK) have also backed Yousaf’s call for a reintroduction of the visa. Mr Yousaf reportedly said: “Signatories from all of Scotland’s colleges have now backed our statement of support for the reintroduction of a post study work visa to Scotland.
“We have overwhelming support for this issue in Scotland, across all major political parties, industry and now throughout academia.
“Scotland’s needs are different to those in the rest of the UK. Scotland has a large, established migrant community and the Scottish Government welcomes the contribution new Scots are making to our economy and society.
“A post study work visa is an important lever for attracting the best international student talent, securing essential income streams, and allowing talented graduates to continue contributing to Scotland after their studies end.
“Once again, I am calling on the UK Government to take Scotland’s needs into account and deliver on the Smith Commission recommendation in this area.”
Shona Struthers, Chief Executive, Colleges Scotland said: “The abolition of post-study work visas by the UK government in 2012 has been an issue of concern for Scotland’s colleges. These visas allowed graduates to work or set up businesses in the UK for 24 months, which retained skilled and educated graduates as part of the labour force.
“The re-introduction of a post-study work visas would attract more overseas students thus enhancing the college experience for all while retaining skilled graduates who contribute to our economy.
“We are pleased to see that the Scottish Government is focused on addressing this issue and has the full support of Scotland’s colleges.”
Alastair Sim, Director Universities Scotland, said: “There is a compelling case to allow international students to work in Scotland after successfully completing their studies. The country would gain socially, culturally and economically by being able to retain international talent. Our universities would have a more competitive offer with which to attract students in a global marketplace. It would give international students the chance to start their careers and gain valuable work experience in a country they have made their home away from home.
"We urge the UK and Scottish Governments to work together, as recommended by the Smith Commission's final report, to implement a change in policy.”
Sanam Arora, President of the National Indian Students Union (UK)said: “The National Indian Students Union UK fully supports the reintroduction of a Post Study Work Scheme and is thankful to the Scottish Government for their efforts in re-establishing the scheme.
“Changes to immigration rules since 2012 have led to a significant drop in the number of Indian students coming to the UK, a worrying trend given the advantages international students bring to the UK, both economically and otherwise. In the decision process of choosing a country to study in, the choice of post study work opportunities is a key factor, not because students want to settle abroad, but because of the desire and need to gain relevant work experience.
“We urge the UK government to recognise work experience post education as part of the overall Higher Education package and revive the Post Study Work visa.”
