Subject: Urgent support for students joining UCL from Gaza
Dear [MP's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you to express my concern about supporting students from Gaza who have earned places at UCL but are currently unable to attend due to circumstances beyond their control. I am a student at UCL and a constituent of yours.
As you may be aware, sixteen exceptional students from Gaza have earned places UCL for this coming year, overcoming unimaginable challenges to secure a life-changing opportunity to study in London. 14 UCL students are still facing significant barriers to starting their courses. We are writing to request your support in ensuring all 16 of these students are included in safe evacuation plans.
These students are facing significant barriers that are preventing them from taking up this opportunity:
- The Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Gaza has been closed since October 2023, meaning these students are unable to submit the biometric data required for their UK visas. This is a critical requirement, and with no VACs available, these students are effectively unable to proceed with their applications despite having secured university placements.
- Some of these students, particularly those who are due to study a Foundation degree, are also facing an additional barrier: they have been unable to secure a Secure English Language Test (SELT) due to the closure of testing centres in Gaza. This further prevents them from meeting UKVI requirements, which are essential for their visa approval.
According to Home Office guidance, exemptions can be provided for biometric information if travel to a VAC is unsafe, particularly through conflict zones. Given that all VAC centres in Gaza are closed and there are no safer alternatives for these students, we believe their situations fully meet the criteria for exemption.
We urgently request that you support these students by advocating for the following:
- Facilitate a safe evacuation for all impacted Palestinian students to enable them to travel to the UK to begin their studies.
- Grant immediate biometric deferrals for Palestinian students, recognising the exceptional circumstances they face.
- Support flexibility on UKVI English language requirements for University College London, enabling students to fulfil their SELT requirements after their evacuation.
Italy, Ireland, and France have already taken steps to evacuate Palestinian students who have secured university placements, and the UK Government has already agreed to support around 40 Palestinian students who are in receipt of scholarships. Help us ensure that all students can pursue the education they’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Students’ Union UCL is already making representations on behalf of these students, and I would encourage you to meet with them to learn more about how you can fully support. You can contact Sarah Jilani, Education Officer ([email protected]) or Hana Mougharbel, Welfare and Community Officer ([email protected])
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and hope to see these critical changes reflected in your actions.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]