Call For The 'Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland' Scheme To Be Extended Across the UK

The organisation that represents the UK's universities, Universities UK, has called for the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme, which allows foreign students who study in Scotland to remain in Scotland after their studies have been completed, to be extended to the rest of the UK.

The Fresh Talent scheme was devised in an attempt to counter Scotland's shrinking population. It allows foreign students to remain in Scotland for up to one year after they complete their studies at a Scottish university or institution and they are permitted to take employment as long as they have already lived in Scotland when studying and intend to stay in the region for at least two years (among other requirements).

However universities in other parts of the UK, particularly those in Northern England close to the Scottish boarder, have complained that the scheme gives an unfair advantage to Scottish educational institutions in attracting foreign students. Foreign students are attractive to universities as they pay far higher fees than UK or European students. Foreign students are said to contribute £3 billion to the UK's economy each year.

If you require advice on this or any other UK immigration matter, please do not hesitate to contact one of our specialist lawyers and advisors.