'Are you a terrorist?' The questions foreign pupils must answer to attend UK
schools

Children as young as five enrolling at private schools are being asked if
they are terrorists under new Home Office regulations.
 

By Graeme Paton, Education Editor
Published: 10:00PM BST 01 Jul 2009

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/5710503/Are-you-a-terrorist-The-questions-foreign-pupils-must-answer-to-attend-UK-schools.html
http://tinyurl.com/n36734

Foreign pupils applying to boarding schools in Britain are also asked if
they have been involved in war crimes or genocide as part of a new visa
system.

Education leaders warned that the 57 page document risked driving away some
of the 20,000 overseas pupils studying in Britain. Some are already
believed to have been rejected.
 
The Liberal Democrats said it could jeopardise Britain's position as one of
the most popular destinations for children studying overseas - costing
schools thousands in lost revenue.

New UK Border Agency regulations came into force on June 1 this year. The
parents of children aged under 16 are required to complete a more detailed
biometric immigration document giving them leave to remain for the duration
of their course.

The form - similar to one for foreign university students - asks children
whether they have been "charged in any country with a criminal offence".

They are asked: "In times of either peace or war has the applicant ever been
involved, or suspected of involvement, in war crimes, crimes against
humanity or genocide?"

Another question states: "Has the applicant ever been involved in, supported
or encouraged terrorist activities in any country?"

It adds: "Has the applicant ever, by any means or medium, expressed views
that justify or glorify terrorist violence or that may encourage others to
terrorist acts or other serious criminal acts?"

The Independent Schools Council, which represents the majority of British
fee-paying schools, said the demands had led to "total chaos".

Under rules, pupils are required to provide detailed evidence about their
monthly budgets, including a break down of tuition and residential costs,
even though boarding schools fail to differentiate between the two.

Students must also re-apply for a visa between taking their GCSEs and
A-levels because the form only covers one course.

David Lyscom, ISC chief executive, said there had been "high rejection
rates" since the regulations were introduced - particularly among children
applying to English language schools.

He added: "When we raised concerns over some questions, the UK Border Agency
said 'What about child soldiers from Rwanda?'. How many child soldiers do
we have trying to come to our schools?

"This document should be proportionate to the threat, which is extremely
low. The fact is students are coming into a highly regulated and monitored
environment where they are not left to their own devices like those
studying in further and higher education. There is no risk that these
children are going to enter the job market illegally or sit in their
bedrooms making bombs."

David Laws, the Lib Dem schools spokesman, urged ministers to overhaul the
applications procedure.

"These visa forms are clearly lacking a degree of common sense," he
said. "Whilst it is important to have stringent visa checks in place,
asking young children if they are terrorists is absurd. By over-loading
overseas parents and children with unnecessary paperwork, the Government
risks putting them off from coming to this country altogether."

A spokesman for the UK Border Agency said: "The new system for students is
simple and accessible. Prospective students know exactly what is required
and there is detailed guidance on our website dealing with all aspects of
the process. Thousands of students have already applied without any
problems.

“Far from making the application process more complicated, students are
assessed against a transparent and objective points test, demonstrating
they have a place on a course and sufficient funds to maintain themselves.
Parents wishing to educate their children in the United Kingdom now have a
much clearer idea of the criteria they must satisfy.

“We make no apology for carrying out tougher checks, which are crucial to
stopping abuses of the system and protecting those child students wanting
to study in the United Kingdom."

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