UK to cut student visas to Nigerians, others (Page 4)

The number of non-European Union students coming into the United Kingdom for studies is to be cut by 25 per cent, a government minister has said.
Europe correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria reports that British Home Secretary Theresa May, revealed the plan in a statement to the parliament on Wednesday in London.

The statement said there would also be tougher English Language competence requirements, restrictions on dependants, curbs on post study work and new vetting for colleges.

"Only the brightest and best should come to the UK.

"The package will stop bogus students, studying meaningless courses at fake colleges.

"It will protect our world-class institutions; stop the abuse that became all too common under Labour and it will restore some sanity to our student visa system,'' it added.

According to the statement students studying in private institutions would be barred from working during term-time and only foreign students with a job offer would be able to stay in the UK after graduation.

The statement said those already in the UK who had permission to stay because they applied to the colleges, would also be affected by the new policy.