To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) any assessment her Department has made of the impact that recent public disorder, together with changes to UK immigration and student visa policy, may have on the recruitment and retention of international students; (ii) whether she has received representations from universities regarding those risks; (iii) any assessment that has been made of the financial implications for higher education institutions, should international student numbers decline; and (iv) any steps her Department is taking to mitigate potential risks, given the contribution that international student income makes to the financial sustainability of universities.

International students make an important contribution to our local economic, academic, and social development, contributing over £950 million annually.

While it is too early to know what the impact of the recent public disorder will have on the recruitment and retention of international students, I am acutely aware that changes to immigration and student visa policy imposed by the British Government are having a negative impact on international student enrolments at our universities.

Both Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University have indicated that these policy changes are adversely affecting international student recruitment with consequent implications for their financial position. I, along with my officials, continue to engage with all Higher Education Institutions on a range of financial and operational matters, as well as the Department’s challenging financial situation.

I met with the British Immigration Minister last summer to directly raise my concerns with the Immigration White Paper and its impact on our economy. The Minister agreed to consider my concerns but unfortunately to date no changes have been made and my officials continue to highlight this, and wider immigration issues to the Home Office.