London Metropolitan University Exits Bangladesh Amid Stricter UK Visa Compliance Rules
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London Metropolitan University has announced its decision to withdraw from the Bangladeshi student recruitment market, citing a surge in visa refusals and looming changes to the UK’s Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) thresholds.
The university described the move as a “responsible and proportionate step” aimed at preserving its UKVI sponsor licence. This development comes as the UK prepares to tighten visa compliance rules under a proposed immigration white paper. The changes would lower the visa refusal threshold for remaining in the ‘green’ compliance category from 10% to 5%, pressuring institutions to ensure near-perfect visa success rates.
Deputy vice-chancellor Gary Davies confirmed that visa refusals from Bangladesh accounted for nearly 60-65% of the university’s overall denials. “So far, we’ve seen more refusals than we’re comfortable with… this matches UKVI briefings indicating that they see Bangladesh as a high-risk region,” Davies told The PIE News.
To safeguard future visa prospects for students, the university has proactively withdrawn issued Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) documents. “No student will lose any money as a result,” Davies said, adding that the university’s decision prioritises long-term applicant welfare.
Davies clarified that the withdrawal wasn’t due to any formal intervention from UKVI, noting that London Met’s overall BCA metrics remain “strong.” Two out of three metrics are reportedly well within the proposed thresholds.
This move reflects a wider trend in the UK higher education sector. Institutions such as Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Sunderland have also paused recruitment from countries flagged as high-risk, including Sudan, Iran, and Iraq.
With the UK’s visa compliance environment tightening, universities are taking pre-emptive action to remain in good standing. For now, Bangladesh’s pathway to UK higher education appears increasingly constrained.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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