Helping To Protect Thanet's Language Schools
Posted by Laura Sandys, MP for South Thanet, at 11:43, Tue 14 December 2010:
In a move that will safeguard Thanet’s English language schools, the Immigration Minister yesterday announced that students wanting to learn English will not need to meet a minimum proficiency to study for up to 11 months.
Since the election, I have been working closely with English language schools to ensure that the immigration system caters to the needs of Thanet’s second largest economic sector. I have also repeatedly raised the needs of Thanet’s language schools with the Minister in Parliament.
Across Thanet and Sandwich, we have amongst the most popular language schools in the country. Today, these enterprises will welcome the Minister’s decision to support them through removing red-tape. Language students are a hugely important part of Thanet’s economy. They spend money in our local shops and restaurants and bring income to our community throughout the year - this is a real win for everyone in Thanet.
The Coalition’s decision signifies a change in the way in which the Government controls immigration. Whilst we need to regulate our previously porous and unregulated borders, our immigration controls should be proportionate, targeted and effective. I am pleased that the system will now focus on targeting those who might abuse our education providers for visas whilst also providing a user-friendly system for bona fide students and reputable education institutions. The Coalition’s decision represents a common sense approach to a highly complex issue.
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Posted by laura el darrat, 14:42, Wed 15 December 2010: (Is this post abusive?) #
I disagree with this decision. I personally know many students from abroad who are studying English here. I can see no reason to change their immigration status whatsover. Six months is long enough. The government were going to look into the issue of people who come here to study but dont, they seem to have forgotten that now!! I think it is a case of money talking! Surely the government should be helping English students, I deliberately use the word English due to the fact that there now is substantial difference between different education systems in the uk.The government seems very willing to help attract students from abroad whilst not helping students in England. I think the decisions on tuition fees and EMA's are disgraceful.We need to help our students too, something this government is not doing.