“The net migration figure is scary to the general public. But the biggest number in that net migration figure are international students and they should not be in that category,” said Lord Karan Bilimoria, addressing the annual India-UK Achievers conference last week.
The Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Students and President of the UK Council of International Student Affairs, who has also raised the issue in the House of Lords, said looking at international students only in terms of numbers would harm the UK economy in the long term.
“Separate the international students and class them as temporary migrants, which is what America does, what Canada does, what Australia does. Then that net migration figure suddenly drops and it’s less scary,” he said.
Bilimoria also called for greater investment in the universities and schools sector for fairer outcomes for students all round.
Chris Skidmore, a former universities minister and chair of the International Higher Education Commission, noted: “There are voices now turning against international students, sometimes saying that this is a migration process and the numbers that are coming in here somehow the UK won’t be able to cope with.
“Now we know that when we look at the facts, that is untrue. When we look at the details of health surcharges paid by international students, they pay for their healthcare, they pay for their services… We need to dispel the myths and misinformation around international education.”
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The India-UK Achievers Showcase, organised by National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK in partnership with the British Council in India and the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade, celebrates the educational ties between the two countries.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in his message that he was “extremely proud” of the UK-India education partnership and the strong outcomes it can deliver for both countries.
Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, said: As a jury member, it has been a pleasure to learn about the meaningful contributions by the applicants of India UK Achievers Honours.
“The success stories of the UK alumni from India are brilliant testimonies to the excellence of UK education and career opportunities it enables for international students. We are excited to celebrate the success of these alumni, and the ever-growing partnership in education between both our countries.”
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Sanam Arora, Chair of the NISAU UK, added: “The achievers are not just recipients of a prestigious honour; they are the embodiment of the profound transformation that education and cross-cultural experiences can engender in our societies.”
*Info: India-UK Achievers
