PhD student who paused research due to Covid-19 allowed to stay in UK after outcry
The University of Southampton has reversed an earlier move that would have rescinded the visa sponsorship of one of its PhD students.
Mohamed Sabba, who studies physics at the university, wrote on 22 April that his student visa had been revoked after he temporarily put his studies on hold due to Covid-19.
“Just notified that my university has revoked my Tier 4 visa sponsorship,” he wrote in a post on Twitter, prompting an outcry from academics. “Doing a PhD in the UK as a non-EU student is already exhausting when you lack the rights of others. A hostile immigration environment in the midst of a pandemic doesn’t make it easier.”
A day later, the university said it had reversed its decision.
“Our visa team has now been in touch with Mohamed and the issue has been resolved,” a spokesperson from the university told Research Professional News.
Responding to the situation, the UK Home Office reiterated its stance that visa sponsors “do not need to withdraw sponsorship if a student is unable to attend for more than 60 days due to coronavirus but intends to resume their studies”.
“We have issued temporary concessions for Tier 4 student visas and have made it clear to universities and colleges that they do not need to withdraw sponsorship if a student is temporarily unable to continue with their studies due to coronavirus,” said a spokesperson, pointing to formal guidance issued on 17 April.
But another researcher from a different UK university, who did not want to be named, told Research Professional News he was still concerned over how the Home Office’s “unclear guidance about excess absences are to be handled” if those affected later apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK, which limits the amount of time applicants can spend outside the country.
Sabba did not respond for a request for comment, but he did post an update on Twitter on 23 April to say his issue had been resolved.
“Thanks to everyone for your overwhelming support, legal advice, journalistic interest and outcry,” he said.