INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VISAS

That this House notes the important role of international students in the UK higher education sector; further notes that 68,550 international students studied in the UK in 2015; recognises that international students contribute a net value of £2.3 billion a year to the economy, along with a great cultural investment; is concerned about reports of mass deportations of international students; is further concerned that current policy is making the UK a less welcoming place for international students; urges the Government to halt any ongoing programmes of such deportations; and calls on the Government to reassess the criteria by which it grants student visas.