Posted: Tue 24th Jun 2014

Glyndwr University Has Sponsor Licence Suspended

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Jun 24th, 2014

Glyndwr University have had their licence to sponsor new international students suspended.

The suspension comes after it was revealed that 230 students had invalid English language certificates. This could rise to more than 350 if the scores counted as questionable are added.

Speaking at the House of Commons today James Brokenshire, Immigration Minister announced that the Home Office had suspended the ‘highly trusted’ status of Glyndwr, which allows the university to sponsor visas of non-European Union students.

Glyndwr is one three universities and 57 private colleges to have had their licences either suspended or temporarily suspended.

In the House of Commons this afternoon, Wrexham MP Ian Lucas asked if the suspension covers just the Glyndwr campus in London, or the university as a whole.

Mr Lucas asked: “This is a very grave statement for Glyndwr university and for Wrexham. Will the Minister please clarify whether the withdrawal of status that he refers to applies to the whole university or only to its London campus? What discussions has he had with the Welsh Government, who are, of course, responsible for that devolved institution?”

Mr Brokenshire replied: “The suspension applies to Glyndwr as a whole. It is a suspension, not a revocation, but its ability to take on new foreign students is stopped. There is the potential to move to revocation if it is unable to demonstrate that it has put in place systems and processes to guard the immigration system as a whole.

“We have had discussions with Glyndwr for some time about the investigations and the audit of its records. We will continue to do so, and we will engage with other relevant partners, including the Welsh Government, as necessary.”

Wrexham.com are told a memo has been circulated to some staff of the University today letting them know of today’s developments.

Some concerns have been raised to Wrexham.com by staff of the future implications of this decision on the University due to the large numbers of foreign students studying at Glyndwr.

Speaking about today’s announcement, a Glyndwr University spokesperson said: “The University is deeply upset that its sponsor licence has been suspended by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and is working with them to investigate the issues raised.

“We have partnerships with a number of suppliers and are incredibly disappointed to have been the subject of any deception or activity that would put that licence under threat. To be put in this position by external partners is frustrating as Glyndwr University takes its responsibility as a Highly Trusted Sponsor very seriously and is committed to supporting the continuing education of those genuine international students who demonstrate full compliance with their immigration requirements.

“The University has been working closely with UKVI in a bid to improve its operations at the Elephant and Castle campus and will continue to do so. A new investigation team has been set-up and will respond to the points raised so that this issue can be resolved and the University’s licence reinstated.”

A full transcript of today’s debate at the House of Commons can be found here.



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