The Saga Continues:London Metropolitan University Vs UK Border Agency

London Metropolitan University University students can only hope that the decision of the UK Border Agency is overturned by Judicial Review but it is uncertain at this stage.

The University's license to admit and sponsor International Student's visas was withdrawn some weeks ago, leaving a number of international students in the lurch as to their future educational prospects and their immigration status (this could ultimately lead to deportation for some students). I shudder to think of the thousands of pounds of students' monies tied up in the school that may be non-refundable, and the anxiety of not getting a full education as expected.

It is said that genuine students have 60 days to make a new application or to arrange to leave the UK, but the countdown starts when UK Border Agency writes to them and no letters will be sent out until October 1. 

Existing overseas students and ones who are due to start this term will be allowed to start or continue as long as they are already in the UK and have full immigration status, pending a resolution of the issue.

About 2,600 people registered as international students at the university have to find alternative courses by the start of December - and face being deported if they do not.

We all know that international students from outside of the European Union seek these educational opportunities to improve their future career prospects and a better life so the UK Border Agency (and the Government) need to think long and hard to compensate the casualties of this decision.

Pics by BBC