The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today, Tuesday 11 September, responded to the Migration Advisory Committee’s report on the impact of international students in the UK.
RIBA Chief Executive, Alan Vallance says,
“The immigration system is a tangle of bureaucracy which can be incredibly difficult for international architecture students to navigate, while studying or after graduation. This puts at risk the pipeline of talent needed to sustain and strengthen the UK’s role as a global beacon for architecture. I’m pleased that the Migration Advisory Committee has recommended lengthening the period that graduates can apply for Tier 2 visas. But without the potential for post-work visas, recent graduates, those undertaking work placements between Part 1 and Part 2 of their training, and their potential employers, will see no improvement.
This report comes on the day new figures from the Architects Registration Board (ARB) show a significant fall in the number of European architects registering in the UK – down 42% since the referendum. These figures show that uncertainty over Brexit is already beginning to impact the sector, risking the UK’s reputation as a beacon for international talent. It is all the more critical that the Migration Advisory Committee makes pragmatic recommendations for the post-Brexit immigration system in next week’s report.”
-Ends-
Notes to editors
- For further press information contact Elise Neve elise.neve@riba.org +44 (0)20 7307 3761
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. www.architecture.com. Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA
