Kampala
The United Kingdom has tightened Visa requirements and study conditions for foreign students after authorities discovered some criminal gangs profiteer by shipping illegal immigrants under the guise of higher education.
The BBC, in a report on Sunday, quoted Home Secretary Alan Johnson as having said that three out of every 10 migrants into the UK were on student visas with many taking short courses, not degrees.
By February 22, prospective students wishing to enroll at UK institutions will be coded virtually using a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number to enable easy tracking, and deportation.
Difficult times
The bar for proficiency in English language has been raised for applicants and allowable work time, which most foreign students use to get extra cash while in the UK, has been slashed down by eight hours per week. It is also proposed that foreign students deposit some money upon entry which they will forfeit if they overstay or dodge returning home.
No official of the UK High Commission in Kampala could be reached to address concerns the changed rules could significantly depress the chances of Ugandan students sailing through to pursue world-class professional training in UK universities.
Officials say the sweeping changes aim at weeding out illegal immigrants and denying rogues entry into Britain, Scotland, Wales and Ireland that make up the UK.
Opposition MP Mark Pritchard suggested that universities withhold transcripts of foreign students until they offer evidence of leaving the UK.
The United Kingdom has tightened Visa requirements and study conditions for foreign students after authorities discovered some criminal gangs profiteer by shipping illegal immigrants under the guise of higher education.
The BBC, in a report on Sunday, quoted Home Secretary Alan Johnson as having said that three out of every 10 migrants into the UK were on student visas with many taking short courses, not degrees.
By February 22, prospective students wishing to enroll at UK institutions will be coded virtually using a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number to enable easy tracking, and deportation.
Difficult times
The bar for proficiency in English language has been raised for applicants and allowable work time, which most foreign students use to get extra cash while in the UK, has been slashed down by eight hours per week. It is also proposed that foreign students deposit some money upon entry which they will forfeit if they overstay or dodge returning home.
No official of the UK High Commission in Kampala could be reached to address concerns the changed rules could significantly depress the chances of Ugandan students sailing through to pursue world-class professional training in UK universities.
Officials say the sweeping changes aim at weeding out illegal immigrants and denying rogues entry into Britain, Scotland, Wales and Ireland that make up the UK.
Opposition MP Mark Pritchard suggested that universities withhold transcripts of foreign students until they offer evidence of leaving the UK.
