UK Urged to Act as Gaza Students Face Visa Barriers to University Enrolment

Forty students from Gaza, who have been awarded full scholarships to study at universities across the UK, are facing an uncertain future as they remain unable to take up their places this September due to visa-related challenges.

The UK Home Office mandates biometric data submission as part of the student visa application process, but since the closure of Gaza’s only biometric centre in October 2023, these students have been left without a way to complete this crucial step.

This situation has sparked concern among campaigners and Members of Parliament, who are calling urgently on the UK government to intervene and find a solution that will enable these talented young people to begin their higher education journeys as planned. Without swift action, these scholarships risk being wasted, and the students’ educational prospects severely hindered.