The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked Nepali ambassador to the UK, Dr Suresh Chandra Chalise, in writing to officially convey Nepal´s concern to the British government over the February 1 decision of the UK Border Agency that has affected thousands of Nepali students. [break]
"I am taking up the issue with the British government on Monday," Ambassador Chalise told myrepublica.com from London on the phone.
In a decision early this year, the UK Border Agency, which looks into applications from foreign nationals to enter or stay in the UK, announced it will not accept student visa applications from Nepal, north India and Bangladesh.
The British agency, while taking the decision, said that it detected the visa system being misused for sending wrong candidates. It also complained that some students, who applied for visas under the Tier 4 system, came from below par educational institutions.
In April, 2008, the UK had introduced a new policy, relaxing criteria for foreign students to study in British colleges. The policy caused a sharp increase in the number of Nepali students going to the UK for study. Altogether 6,627 Nepali students had taken no objection letter from the Ministry of Education to apply in British colleges in the fiscal year 2065/66 BS.
We are taking initiatives to get the [lost] money returned...The ministry has taken the issue seriously.
-- Foreign Secretary Madan Kumar Bhattarai
-- Foreign Secretary Madan Kumar Bhattarai
In a bid to control a rapid and steady inflow of unqualified students mainly from South Asia into Britain, the UK Border Agency had also suspended registrations of more than 100 colleges in England, leaving thousands of Nepali students in the lurch. It is estimated that the decision has affected a large number of students studying in the UK, with many losing hard-earned money.
"We are taking initiatives to get the [lost] money returned," Foreign Secretary Madan Kumar Bhattarai said. "The ministry has taken the issue seriously."
Ambassador Chalise said that he has come to know that at least two colleges run by Nepalis are among those suspended. When asked about the number of students affected by the decision, he said, "We do not have exact figures. But the embassy is receiving complaints from those affected by the decision on individual basis."
Chalise further said that the stakeholders are meeting later this week to discuss the effects of the decision on Nepali students. "The embassy will also represent in the discussion," he said.
kiran@myrepublica.com
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