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Written question asked by Baroness Coussins (Crossbench) on Wednesday, 9 December 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 December 2020. It was answered by Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay (Conservative) on Thursday, 17 December 2020 on behalf of the Department for Education.


German Academic Exchange Service

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to make an exemption for (1) German lektors and (2) German language assistants participating in the German Academic Exchange Service programmes, from the standard skilled worker visa regulations in respect of the salary threshold.

Answer

English universities are independent, autonomous institutions and are therefore free to choose which courses they run. Quality is assessed by the Office for Students, the regulator of higher education providers in England. Whilst the government firmly supports the teaching of German and other modern foreign languages in English universities, the government plays no role in the delivery of these specific schemes.

In terms of immigration arrangements, the government has been clear that all EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens must be resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 to be eligible for settled or pre-settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme. All EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals arriving in the UK from 1 January 2021 will be required to apply for a visa under the new points-based immigration system. People wanting to come into the UK to work from 1 January 2021 will be awarded points for a job offer at the appropriate skill level if they speak English, and if they meet the appropriate salary threshold.

The points-based immigration system is a global system which treats EU and non-EU citizens equally, prioritising individuals’ skills and talent over where a person happens to come from. The UK’s Points Based Immigration System has been designed with huge consideration given to businesses and employers, including the UK higher education sector, which has been consulted by the government throughout.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL11283
Session
2019-21
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Higher education German language German Academic Exchange Service
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk