As many as 3,000 foreign students could be deported from Britain after the British government stripped their university’s right to sponsor and admit overseas students.

One of the Largest Universities in London, London Metropolitan University (LMU) has had its Highly Trusted Status (HTS), right to sponsor students from outside the EC, revoked and will no longer be allowed to authorise visas for the same.

The decision has jeopardized the education of more than 3,000 students as they could be deported within 60 days unless they find another sponsor, according to the National Union of Students (NUS).

The university's HTS status was suspended last month while the UK Border Agency (UKBA) examined alleged failings.

This decision has also affected the Nepali students studying in the university.

According to National Executive Counselor of National Union of Students, Surya Prakash Bhatta, around 500 Nepali students would be affected by the decision. “While talking to student union chairman of the university Saiyad Ramman, he said that there are about 500 students currently studying in the university,” said Bhatta.

The Nepali students studying in the university have been demanding compensation saying that the decision would affect their future.

One of the Nepali students, Bibek Pokharel, who has completed his first semester from the LMU, expressed his worry about the expenses he paid to the college.

“I don't know what to do. I can't simply switch to another university where I'll have to start from scratch. I simply don't have the money to do that,” he told the BBC.

Nepali students can continue their studies in Nepal

Meanwhile, the Islington College Nepal, affiliated to LMU, has made it clear that the decision was simply regarding the visa for foreign students.

“The LMU will remain fully operational and the affiliation and courses would remain intact,” said Sulav Budhathoki, CEO of Islington College. “The affected students can continue their studies at Islington College if the decision did not favour the students.”

Published on: 31 August 2012 | The Kathmandu Post