UK higher ed responds to addition of India to travel red list

This is due to increased availability of vaccines for younger people and more experience on the part of institutions in handling Covid-related issues.

“We need to keep in mind this development is in response to the pandemic situation and I believe will be closely monitored by authorities. This is not akin to any embargo or sanctions and I am confident this will be reviewed once the surge of infections in India start decreasing,” said Dipankar Chakraborty, India Institute country director, Birmingham Global, University of Birmingham.

“We know the most effective tool to combat the disease is vaccines. The Indian government’s move to open up vaccinations to the 18 and above age group from May 1 is a very positive step. The university is very well prepared to support students given the various uncertainties – from delayed qualifications or cancelled exams, through to how students arrive on campus.”

Chakraborty said that the institution would continue to monitor guidelines and are planning for “every eventuality given the uncertainties”.

“We are planning for every eventuality given the uncertainties, and incorporating maximum flexibility wherever possible. For example, we are extending our welcome period for new students – so that whenever students are able to get to us, they can be sure of a warm Birmingham welcome,” he added.

“We are planning for every eventuality given the uncertainties, and incorporating maximum flexibility wherever possible”

“For postgraduate programs, we will accept scanned or photographed copies of documentation (certificate and transcripts) to confirm student’s academic results, rather than students having to provide original copies to confirm their place.”

A survey from UKEAS last week suggested that Indian students remain motivated to study in the UK, although it was conducted before the announcement was made last night.

“Concerns raised by Indian students were mostly relating to potential roadblocks being put in the way that could increase the cost of reaching the UK. For instance, hotel quarantine on arrival, visa delays or restrictions, or limited flight availability,” said Pieter Funnekotter, CEO of UKEAS.

“Several university partners have mentioned that they are investigating whether students coming from red list countries could quarantine in special university residence accommodation. If university residence quarantine is possible, and issues around visas and flight availability do not come to pass, we do not see a major impact on recruitment of students from India.

“India is the world’s leading producer of vaccines and we are hopeful that its second wave will be brought under control as quickly as possible. The safety and health of our staff and students are our top priority.”

However, whether the cost of quarantine – which currently stands at £1,750 – will impact students’ decision to come to the UK remains to be seen.

“This is one question which is really difficult to know the answer to and is an area that the UK higher education sector needs to work with the UK government on to look at and understand with the view of what can be done to get the best outcome for all concerned,” said Bobby Mehta, director of UoP Global at the University of Portsmouth.

“I personally hope that by the time we reach the summer and start of the new academic year that this will not be an issue”

“I personally hope that by the time we reach the summer and start of the new academic year that this will not be an issue and I hope the red list will not be needed. But regardless I am confident that the UK will ensure it has the best offer possible for international students choosing to study in the UK based on the situation at the time.

“For international students in India, both for current and prospective students, this will be another difficult period, however the benefit we have is that we know how to deal with this situation as we went through this last year and together we dealt with it really well. So we will do the same again this year and we will react to the situation as it develops.”

Universities UK International further said that students should check about travel arrangements with their universities.

“We understand international students may have questions about countries being added to the UK’s ‘red list’, and what this means for them,” it said in a statement.

“If travelling to the UK, students should work their way through the arrivals procedure for entering the UK to ensure that they have met all requirements and know what to expect when they arrive in the UK.”

There are currently around 40 countries on the UK’s red list, most of which are located in Africa and South America.

Additional reporting by Viggo Stacey.