Local MP and college boss in post-study work visa call
Gavin Newlands, the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, and Audrey Cumberford, the Principal and Chief Executive of West College Scotland, have today called for the reintroduction of the post-study work visa to attract the best international student talent to Scotland and to bolster the Scottish economy.
The UK Government abolished the post-study work visa in 2012 which had previously allowed non-EU graduates to remain in the UK for two years after completing their studies at a college or university.
Gavin Newlands, the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:
“The support for the reintroduction of the post-study work visa, abolished by the UK Government in 2012, enjoys popular support across the Scottish political parties as well as civic Scotland.
“It is imperative that the UK Government engage constructively with the Scottish Government and civic Scotland, and hear our calls to re-establish the post-study work visa scheme to ensure that Scotland can harness the skills and knowledge of the many talented people who chose to study in Scotland.”
The Principal of West College Scotland, Audrey Cumberford, said:
“The post study work visa is an important factor in attracting the best international student talent to Scotland, in securing essential income streams for Colleges, and allowing talented graduates from colleges and universities to continue to contribute to Scotland at the end of their studies.
“The Scottish Government’s Minister for Europe and International Development, Humza Yousaf, has announced the launch of a Scottish Cross Party Steering Group, to work on reintroducing the post study work visa and I am delighted to represent the College Sector on this group.”
