A CRACKDOWN on students coming to the UK from the European Union after Brexit could have a devastating effect on Scotland’s universities, it has been warned.
Tougher restrictions forcing potential students to prove academic ability, English language skills and sufficient funds were detailed in a leaked document on future immigration policy.
Only when they have met strict criteria would they be granted a residence permit to study in Britain. The leaked Home Office document, dated last month, says: “The Government welcomes and encourages EU citizens who wish to study in the UK and does not wish to restrict their access per se.
“However, we will need to ensure that study does not allow circumvention of any new controls on work.
“Therefore we may need to introduce some restrictions to ensure students are genuinely intending to study in the way that we do for non-EU students, by checking academic ability, English language skills and sufficiency of funds.”
One senior source in the sector told The National: “We don’t want to make it harder for EU citizens to be students. They’re absolutely vital to university finance. They also enhance the learning experience and reputation of our institution.”
Meanwhile, a major international survey commissioned by KPMG reveals that nearly half of EU citizens working in Scotland may leave the country due to Brexit, with more than one-third considering leaving and seven per cent having already made up their minds to go.
According to the research, taken from an admittedly small sample, the EU workers most likely to leave the country are what the firm calls “Indeys” – independent, in demand, educated and young.
According to KMPG, the study could equate to as many as 63,000 EU nationals leaving Scotland.
Explaining the findings, Phil Merchant, KPMG’s Brexit expert in Scotland, said: “The irony is not lost that Scotland, a stronghold for a Remain vote in the EU referendum, may feel the impact of Brexit the hardest.
“Importantly, half of respondents planning to leave the EU said they would leave the country either in 2019, or after Brexit takes effect. In the next two years employers should do what they can to make post-Brexit Britain a welcoming place for European citizens in the UK. Those facing a potential skills shortage must consider how they currently attract, retain and supplement their workforce.”
SNP MSP Gillian Martin said:“This report shows just how damaging Theresa May’s reckless Brexit plans could be to Scotland’s economy. The Tories are threatening a massive brain drain that will be deeply damaging for the whole country. Many sectors in parts of Scotland face being left with huge staff shortages. In evidence to a parliamentary committee recently, a company in my own constituency confirmed that nearly 80 per cent of their staff are EU workers.
“Instead of slamming the door shut on much-needed talent, the Tories should commit to staying in the single market and customs union.
“But, going forward, Scotland needs powers over immigration to set a policy that meets the needs of our economy and society – and which ensures we can protect ourselves from the disastrous plans of the hard Brexiteers.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here