Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Tuesday, 25 October 2011.

Higher Education: Overseas Students

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Browning on 14 September (WA 79–80), whether they have plans to end the permission given to non-European Union nationals studying towards a first degree or a lower qualification in the United Kingdom to take jobs inthe United Kingdom, to enable the estimated 96,000 employments so filled to become available to other United Kingdom residents.

Answer: New rules for international students' permission to work in the UK came into effect on 4 July 2011, as set out in the statement of changes to the Immigration Rules HC1148, laid in Parliament on 13 June. This change removed permission to work from all students other than those at higher education institutions and publicly funded colleges. We will monitor the impact of these changes and, if necessary, take further action to ensure that the student route is operating as intended. At present, there are no plans for further changes to the rules on students' permission to work.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 12592; 731 c132-3WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Higher Education: Overseas Students
Monday, 28 November 2011
Written questions
House of Lords; Visas
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Employment Overseas students
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk