In a significant development regarding the education of students from Gaza, more than 70 Members of Parliament (MPs) have appealed to the UK government to postpone biometric checks for Gazan students who have secured places in UK universities for the upcoming academic year. This situation arises amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has severely disrupted educational infrastructure and processes.
Barry Gardiner, the MP for Brent West, co-authored a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, accompanied by fellow MP Abtisam Mohamed, the co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Students. The urgency of their plea stems from the critical condition faced by prospective students, emphasizing the need for biometric checks to be relocated to Egypt or Jordan. This request highlights the logistical challenges students from Gaza currently face, as there is no visa application center in Gaza itself, preventing them from completing essential visa processes.
One poignant example highlighted in the correspondence is Haia Mohammed, who has secured a scholarship at Goldsmiths University. She, like many other students, is unable to record her biometric data due to the lack of facilities in Gaza for such procedures. The Home Office has acknowledged the situation but has indicated that it is exploring the best ways to assist these students amid the current complexities on the ground.
The MPs’ letter elaborates on the devastating impact the ongoing war has had on the educational landscape in Gaza. It notes that within the first 100 days of the conflict, every single university in the area has been bombed, displacing over 90,000 students and leaving them without access to higher education. The letter implores the government to facilitate urgent evacuation routes for these students, who have endured immense hardship yet have earned scholarships and the opportunity to contribute to the reconstruction of Palestine in the future.
In the correspondence, the MPs called for a rapid response to ensure that these students can start their academic year by September, emphasizing the need for immediate action. A government spokesperson indicated awareness of the concerns raised and mentioned ongoing considerations regarding how best to support the affected students. However, the spokesperson also noted that the situation in Gaza remains exceptionally challenging.
Amid these discussions, shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp articulated his position regarding the necessity of biometric checks for security purposes. He recommended that these checks occur at British consulates in Israel, arguing that verifying identities through biometric data is pivotal for security arrangements. These measures are set up to screen individuals against databases of those suspected of extremism or other offenses.
Philp emphasized that the checks do not need to be eliminated but should rather be deferred to ensure that students are not deprived of their opportunities due to their inability to access biometric checking facilities in Gaza. He pointed out that similar provisions were extended to students from Ukraine during their crisis, advocating for a consistent and compassionate application of policy in times of war.
The letter concluded with clear calls to action for the Israeli government to facilitate safe passage for Gazan students wishing to conduct their biometric checks at British consulates before traveling to the UK. Mr. Gardiner reiterated that the request for deferral is not an attempt to undermine security but rather a necessary adaptation to the current humanitarian and logistical crisis.
Goldsmiths University has been approached for commentary regarding the situation, indicating that this matter remains a pressing issue that requires responsive and empathetic handling from both UK authorities and stakeholders involved in the education sector. The challenges retrogress present a broader conversation about educational access and international responsibility in times of conflict.
