HC Deb 09 June 1976 vol 912 cc699-700W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the growing prac- tice of persons desirous of immigrating to Great Britain who have failed to qualify for admission in taking educational courses and eventually staying on and becoming residents; and to what extent he has taken or intends taking action to prevent this abuse of the immigration laws.

Dr. Summerskill

A person seeking entry to the United Kingdom for studies must fulfil the requirements for admission set out in the Immigration Rules. If he is admitted, conditions that include a limit on the period for which he may remain are imposed on his stay. The grant of an extension as a student depends on his continuing to meet the requirements. No person given entry to the United Kingdom as a student since the Immigration Act 1971 came into force can acquire settled status simply by virtue of time spent here in studies. We are satisfied that the vast majority of overseas students in this country are genuine and that the means of enforcement are adequate for dealing with a small minority who may seek to use studies in an attempt to evade the control.

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