UKVI stops UK-bound students for further checks, reports suggest

The PIE News has seen communications from industry bodies warning agents that international students in several major source markets are being stopped by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to interview them before they leave the country.

Students from Nigeria, Bangladesh, India and Nepal on their way to the UK are reportedly being asked pre-CAS interview questions, asked for proof of funds or income and other questions to verify their eligibility to study in the UK.

The PIE has also heard that Nigerian students are being told they need a “fit-to-fly” certificate – with some outbound students missing their flights as a result of the extra checks.

It remains unclear how many students may have been subjected to such checks and whether students from other countries have been affected.

The PIE has contacted the Home Office for clarification and to verify the claims.

One message seen by The PIE advises agents to make sure students “are prepared prior to their departure”, and that UKVI has the authority to prevent students from boarding their flights to the UK.

It follows a major crackdown on immigration from the UK government – likely in response to a wave of anti-migration sentiment sweeping the country as concerns grow over a swell of small boats of asylum seekers crossing the channel. The Reform Party, whose policies largely focus on controlling immigration to the UK, is also growing in popularity.

Although international students remain a major source of income for the UK, both in terms of the higher education sector and the economy as a whole, they have not escaped government scrutiny as the Labour party positions itself as tough on immigration.

Earlier this month, the Home Office started contacting thousands of international students whose visas are due to expire via text and email, warning them against making asylum claims that “lack merit” as a means of staying in the country.

It comes after the long-awaited immigration white paper was published in May, noting an alleged rise in international students applying for asylum towards the end of their study visa’s eligibility window.

The policy document also set out tougher basic compliance assessment (BCA) metrics set to come into force in the near future – meaning that universities will face penalties if more than 5% of their students’ visas are rejected.

This is a developing story. Check back for further updates.

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