Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Bill

I endorse the remarks made by the noble Baroness, Lady Warwick. She is absolutely right that Clause 4 is the vital clause in the Bill in relation to international students. The refusal of entry visas and the taking away of the right of appeal are key issues. It is vital that for the health of the body of international students we reverse this, or at least see some reversal during our discussions. The Minister has written to me on this subject. I should like to quote the relevant paragraph in her letter. While it helps us to understand a little of the argument taking place behind the scenes, it also reinforces the argument that it is vital that we see the new system working before we are prepared to see the withdrawal of a natural right of appeal. The paragraph reads as follows:"““We recognise that the degree of subjectivity in entry clearance decision making, which the current Immigration Rules provide for, has been an area of concern and are taking steps to address this, both in terms of improved training given to entry clearance officers and in the design of the points based system. As has been discussed in the Joint Education Taskforce, under tier 4 of the points based system, it is our intention that sponsorship by an approved educational institution will act as a proxy for intention and ability to study and that a closer relationship between the Home Office and education institutions will enable a light touch approach for students sponsored by respected institutions such as the University of Sussex—””" I think that was in response to my asking why not accept this—"““with a proven track record””." That is what we would like to see develop. But it is important that we see a better track record in decisions. Yes, there should be more training for entry clearance officers, but let us see the system working and let us see the new light touch approach beginning to work before we give up the right of appeal.