News

The government has taken the first step to relaxing the restrictions on post-study work visas for international students in the UK.

In the past, internationals were given free access to work in the UK for 2 years after graduating, but this was closed in April last year. In its place, a whole raft of new regulations were introduced, all related to the job offer students had lined up for after they graduated. International students had to have an offer of a job relevant to their degree, with a high starting salary and at a company registered with the government for the scheme.

Ever since their introduction, the tighter restrictions have been met with widespread opposition from leading figures in higher education who have argued that they will put international students off from studying in the UK.

Erik Redli is a university graduate from Slovakia who is currently living in London. Each week he gives his view on the events of the last seven days. This week, he casts his eye over Hugo Chazez's death,  a Mother's Day daffodil shortage and international students' right to the NHS. 

Death of Hugo Chavez

Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez died this week after a lengthy but secretive illness.

"Dictators usually live a long time, unless they are overthrown and executed. Hugo Chavez died at the comparatively young age of 58 which hints that he was not the traditional dictator, but a "21 century liberator"- a term he coined himself.

Recently, the president of Colombia said that Chavez was a model leader for the rest of South America. Many countries followed the Venezuelan process towards ‘21 century socialism' with a bit of democracy. However, Chavez‘s health has been debated for over a year. There are stories that he might have died long before the official announcement. The sudden cancelation of some public appearances only testifies to what could have been a political move playing for time.

It has emerged that the government is considering introducing strict new regulations on the NHS which would prevent thousands of international students from using it. UK newspaper The Sunday Times found that Conservative ministers hope to enforce new rules that would reduce access to the NHS to only those ‘immigrants' had to have been living in the UK for a whole year.

Such laws would have a huge impact on all international students studying in the UK, and critics are already claiming that this would be the latest in a number of decisions putting overseas students off coming to the UK. Indeed, chief executive of the UK Council for International Student Affairs, Dominic Scott, said that if any such decision was made, it would be "yet one more sign that the UK is less welcoming" to international students. Paul White, from the University of Sheffield, echoed this view, arguing "the message that the introduction of such charging [for healthcare] would convey would be very negative".

This reaction was matched by ForeignStudents.com contributor Erik Redli. A recent Slovakian graduate currently living in London, he knows the realities of the life of an international student in the UK, and believes that restricting use of the NHS simply isn't right:

The United Arab Emirates is a fascinating area to visit, proudly proclaiming its glamorous cities and spending culture whilst retaining a deep sense of Bedouin heritage and Muslim traditions. Though the federation states' reputation is based mainly on the deluxe hotels of Dubai and the big business of Abu Dhabi, as a student you can still get more for your money with cheaper airfares, free short-term visas and plenty of hostels for those on a budget. With this in mind, here are a few tips on how to plan your UAE trip.

As far as entry requirements go, your standard, 30-day tourist visa is fairly straightforward for UK citizens and free, though these can also be extended for another 30 days for a fee. If you decide to look for employment, probationary, 3-month visas are available once you're here but make sure you don't breach any deadlines to avoid hefty fines. If you are of a different nationality it is best to check what the restrictions are before you travel, for example many will not have to apply for a visa in advance but others will, dependent upon which part of the world you are from. Find out more about the restrictions here.

We're back with the latest edition of our new series of weekly blog posts bringing you this week's very best new jobs in London. We've got part-time, full time and internships, so whatever position you're in, they'll be something for you. Simply browse through the jobs below, or search our entire database.  

Part-Time Jobs