Visa probe into bogus colleges
The Home Office yesterday launched an investigation into whether a string of Scottish colleges with questionable credentials uncovered by The Herald are being used as an elaborate front for an immigration scam.
Its Border and Immigration Agency is to probe whether the colleges have been set up purely to bring immigrants into the UK under student visas, rather than to educate them.
In the wake of the move, Des Browne, the Scottish Secretary, said he was "obviously concerned" over any suggestion the UK's "robust immigration policies" had been compromised.
Last week, The Herald revealed a number of colleges based in Glasgow were advertising non-existent courses or were using logos of recognised educational and industry bodies on their websites without permission. Despite this, all the colleges were on an official government list which allows visas to be issued to students who have secured a place at them.
Two of the colleges, Commonwealth College Glasgow and Great Regent College, set up dubious websites which described lavish facilities and highly specialised courses, despite being based at a private flat and a rundown office block.
Another two institutions, Middlesex College and Glasgow College, which were unearthed yesterday, both have misleading website addresses registered in the Ascension Islands. Two of the colleges, and scores more operating throughout the UK, appear to be connected to an institution called Newcastle University, which is operating illegally in the American state of Oregon.
The Newcastle University website, which has no connection to the legitimate institution in the north-east of England, claims to have a UK base in Essex but its address is actually home to a
private college called Abbey College, whose principal is listed as Mohammed Ali Raja.
The Abbey College prospectus has detailed information about the process for applying for a student visa and, under the heading "overseas consultants", contains a list of immigration agencies in Pakistan and India.
Yesterday, Umbreen Iqbal, the woman who runs the Commonwealth College, confirmed the institution used immigration agents on the sub-continent to recruit students. Middlesex College said they had opened a Glasgow branch specifically to capitalise on the Scottish Executive's Fresh Talent initiative, which allows successful students a visa extension when they finish their studies. Glasgow College also advertises Fresh Talent.
A source close to one of the colleges said last night: "It is all about immigration and getting a visa. I have seen it in Lahore where they hire out a function room in a hotel and give seminars on how to get into the UK through a college."
A spokesman for the Border and Immigration Agency said: "Institutions are visited on an intelligence-led basis and removed from the register where they are found not to be bona fide. A total of 45 colleges have been removed since 2005."
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Posted by: Tony, Glasgow on 9:03am Wed 11 Jul 07
Why would Des Browne, the Scottish Secretary, who said he was "obviously concerned" over any suggestion the UK's "robust immigration policies" had been compromised. Where is the Robust immigration policy? It is WELL proven there is practically no control. Anyone and his granny can walk into Britain. Until this country takes the Lead from Australia then ALL these Liars and Cheats will come here. These politicians make me sick ! But thankfully the public are now seeing through them and how they have allowed this to get their vote.
Why would Des Browne, the Scottish Secretary, who said he was "obviously concerned" over any suggestion the UK's "robust immigration policies" had been compromised. Where is the Robust immigration policy? It is WELL proven there is practically no control. Anyone and his granny can walk into Britain. Until this country takes the Lead from Australia then ALL these Liars and Cheats will come here. These politicians make me sick ! But thankfully the public are now seeing through them and how they have allowed this to get their vote.
Posted by: Get them out on 9:25am Wed 11 Jul 07
Is it any wonder peopel here are very dubious of asylum seekers, immegrants and "students". Enough is enough!
It seems to easy to get in here. What about our schools, hospitals, GP surgeries, housing, jobs and so on? Why should we be over-run by these people?
Is it any wonder peopel here are very dubious of asylum seekers, immegrants and "students". Enough is enough!
It seems to easy to get in here. What about our schools, hospitals, GP surgeries, housing, jobs and so on? Why should we be over-run by these people?
Posted by: Olivia, Glasgow on 10:56am Wed 11 Jul 07
What the Herald didn't point out is that someone can't simply qualify for the 2-year Fresh Talent Visa simply by being registered at a 'college'.
To qualify for the Visa you must pass an HND, degree, Masters degree or PhD at a Scottish institution. Before an institution can offer these courses, their provision must be approved by the Quality Assurance Agency. Therefore, there is no way students from these fake colleges will be able to get a Fresh Talent Visa, they will simply be able to stay in the UK for the duration of their 'course'. Not quite as bad a situation as that inferred by the Herald, though surely something that it should be easy for the Government to tackle. Especially as some of these students are probably being conned out of their money, thinking they are going to a genuine college.
What the Herald didn't point out is that someone can't simply qualify for the 2-year Fresh Talent Visa simply by being registered at a 'college'.
To qualify for the Visa you must pass an HND, degree, Masters degree or PhD at a Scottish institution. Before an institution can offer these courses, their provision must be approved by the Quality Assurance Agency. Therefore, there is no way students from these fake colleges will be able to get a Fresh Talent Visa, they will simply be able to stay in the UK for the duration of their 'course'. Not quite as bad a situation as that inferred by the Herald, though surely something that it should be easy for the Government to tackle. Especially as some of these students are probably being conned out of their money, thinking they are going to a genuine college.
Posted by: Arkov, Vladivostoks twin citadel on 12:33pm Wed 11 Jul 07
steg, Kingdom o' Kilwinnin on 7:54am
Stop being a namby pamby, These places have to be exposed and closed sharp style and those behind them jailed for pan handling and undermining the security of this country.
WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST? **** all i've noticed. If you've nothin' to say PIZZOVSKI THE NOO.
steg, Kingdom o' Kilwinnin on 7:54am
Stop being a namby pamby, These places have to be exposed and closed sharp style and those behind them jailed for pan handling and undermining the security of this country.
WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST? **** all i've noticed. If you've nothin' to say PIZZOVSKI THE NOO.
Posted by: Barry Graham, Australia on 1:54pm Wed 11 Jul 07
Regardless of what other people in the UK might think, Scotland has a very enviable record on education. We Scots have held our own all over the world and in most cases excelled. Do not let these quick buck merchants give us a bad reputation on education by using it as immigration by the back door. Close them down, jail the people who run them, make an example of them. Scotlands good name and reputation is at stake, and nothing is more impotant than that.
Barry Graham
Regardless of what other people in the UK might think, Scotland has a very enviable record on education. We Scots have held our own all over the world and in most cases excelled. Do not let these quick buck merchants give us a bad reputation on education by using it as immigration by the back door. Close them down, jail the people who run them, make an example of them. Scotlands good name and reputation is at stake, and nothing is more impotant than that.
Barry Graham
Posted by: helen, Glasgow on 2:18pm Wed 11 Jul 07
[quote][bold]Get them out[/bold] wrote:
Is it any wonder peopel here are very dubious of asylum seekers, immegrants and "students". Enough is enough! It seems to easy to get in here. What about our schools, hospitals, GP surgeries, housing, jobs and so on? Why should we be over-run by these people? [/quote] these people!!!!!!!!!!! Wat do u mean by that?
Get them out wrote:
Is it any wonder peopel here are very dubious of asylum seekers, immegrants and "students". Enough is enough! It seems to easy to get in here. What about our schools, hospitals, GP surgeries, housing, jobs and so on? Why should we be over-run by these people?
these people!!!!!!!!!!! Wat do u mean by that?
Posted by: Emma Cartwright, Glasgow on 2:24pm Wed 11 Jul 07
I am quite concerned about what would happen to the students if these colleges were to shutdown. i know fo a girl that attends commonwealth college and she states that she is going to her classes and she has just completed her first year exams. the reason she chose this college was that the fees were more managebale for her and her family in india. she is trying to get an education from a scottish college to take back home to india to help her family out. then why is the herald going against giving her this oppurtunity and stealing her and her family of a better future in india?
I am quite concerned about what would happen to the students if these colleges were to shutdown. i know fo a girl that attends commonwealth college and she states that she is going to her classes and she has just completed her first year exams. the reason she chose this college was that the fees were more managebale for her and her family in india. she is trying to get an education from a scottish college to take back home to india to help her family out. then why is the herald going against giving her this oppurtunity and stealing her and her family of a better future in india?
Posted by: Emma Cartwright, Glasgow on 2:24pm Wed 11 Jul 07
I am quite concerned about what would happen to the students if these colleges were to shutdown. i know fo a girl that attends commonwealth college and she states that she is going to her classes and she has just completed her first year exams. the reason she chose this college was that the fees were more managebale for her and her family in india. she is trying to get an education from a scottish college to take back home to india to help her family out. then why is the herald going against giving her this oppurtunity and stealing her and her family of a better future in india?
I am quite concerned about what would happen to the students if these colleges were to shutdown. i know fo a girl that attends commonwealth college and she states that she is going to her classes and she has just completed her first year exams. the reason she chose this college was that the fees were more managebale for her and her family in india. she is trying to get an education from a scottish college to take back home to india to help her family out. then why is the herald going against giving her this oppurtunity and stealing her and her family of a better future in india?
Posted by: Katja, Chernobil on 2:29pm Wed 11 Jul 07
Does any of u know how much is a fee for obtaining student visa in the UK? £350! So maybe that's why it's very convinient to have thousands of students coming into the country every year? Some extra pocket money for ur schools, hospitals, GP surgeries and so on? And it's true that to qualify for the Fresh Talent Visa you must pass an HND, degree, Masters degree or PhD at a Scottish institution. Furthermore, many people come in the UK for the real education, paying big amount of money believing that they will recieve high quality education. If they've been conned by other people who wanted to make money on it, I don't think u can blame them for that. And where is anger for all the immigraants came from? Not all of them are from aforementioned countries and not all of them take advantage. So why do u hate them so much?
Does any of u know how much is a fee for obtaining student visa in the UK? £350! So maybe that's why it's very convinient to have thousands of students coming into the country every year? Some extra pocket money for ur schools, hospitals, GP surgeries and so on? And it's true that to qualify for the Fresh Talent Visa you must pass an HND, degree, Masters degree or PhD at a Scottish institution. Furthermore, many people come in the UK for the real education, paying big amount of money believing that they will recieve high quality education. If they've been conned by other people who wanted to make money on it, I don't think u can blame them for that. And where is anger for all the immigraants came from? Not all of them are from aforementioned countries and not all of them take advantage. So why do u hate them so much?
Posted by: Tom, home on 3:25pm Wed 11 Jul 07
Excellent work Herald, more of the same please. Oh and Mr. Brown should be concerned (as we all should) about our “robust immigration policies”, obviously they are not robust, hence this article.
Katja: Yes it is a bit of a money making con game, also your comments about not all being guilty are undoubtedly correct . We should and must introduce measures to identify those that are genuine from those that are bogus. I favour closely screening and detailed profiling of certain nationalities, sorry, I am not allowed to say which because in my country it would then be viewed as racist and my comments deleted
Excellent work Herald, more of the same please. Oh and Mr. Brown should be concerned (as we all should) about our “robust immigration policies”, obviously they are not robust, hence this article.
Katja: Yes it is a bit of a money making con game, also your comments about not all being guilty are undoubtedly correct . We should and must introduce measures to identify those that are genuine from those that are bogus. I favour closely screening and detailed profiling of certain nationalities, sorry, I am not allowed to say which because in my country it would then be viewed as racist and my comments deleted
Posted by: john mckenzie, glasgow on 4:15pm Wed 11 Jul 07
I quite appreciate the fact that many people are concerned about the standard of education in scotland and the Uk as a whole, however im concerned about the innocents students of the colleges involved, what is going to be their fate. Some of the students are from Africa believing they are on the right track with the right motive of getting a good quality education and certificate to increase their chances in Africa and support themselves as well as their families. If these colleges were to shut down, is the government going to give them the opportunity of enrolling in another college knowning fully well that they are just victims of unfortunate circumstance? Somebody rise up and say something.
I quite appreciate the fact that many people are concerned about the standard of education in scotland and the Uk as a whole, however im concerned about the innocents students of the colleges involved, what is going to be their fate. Some of the students are from Africa believing they are on the right track with the right motive of getting a good quality education and certificate to increase their chances in Africa and support themselves as well as their families. If these colleges were to shut down, is the government going to give them the opportunity of enrolling in another college knowning fully well that they are just victims of unfortunate circumstance? Somebody rise up and say something.
Posted by: BLOCKEM, Glasgow on 4:53pm Wed 11 Jul 07
Why did these ‘‘students’’ go to such unnecessary measures to enter Britain. Why did they not use the usual easy way of presenting themselves as asylum seekers. Had they done this, they would have been received by many of the tax-funded ‘‘refugee welcoming groups’’ and directed as to where and how to claim their benefits. Where to get FREE furnished accommodation, FREE money (benefits) FREE medical treatment, FREE dentistry, FREE education (school or college), FREE legal aid to keep them here when their case comes up again and again for review. And... don’t forget the FREE offer of £3,000/£3,500 which they can claim as asylum seekers prepared to go home.
They could have stayed here and lived off us for six or seven years without any hassle and if they are told they have to leave Britain, Robina Qureshi, director of public tax funded Glasgow charity, Positive Action in Housing, would have started screaming her abuse to intimidate our authorities. Currently she tells us, ‘‘the government makes it its policy to starve people out of this country to stop them claiming refuge. ‘‘This is the same person who awards herself a salary (how much? £50,000? £60,000 annually - she won’t tell us) and expenses from our taxes, our wage packets via the government.
Will any action will be taken against the bogus colleges. Will the fake ‘‘students’’ be deported. Don’t hold your breath.
Clearly the British people are being shafted by the mammoth asylum and immigration con. And don’t forget the ££££millions being doled out to the money-wasting refugee/asylum support groups.
Why did these ‘‘students’’ go to such unnecessary measures to enter Britain. Why did they not use the usual easy way of presenting themselves as asylum seekers. Had they done this, they would have been received by many of the tax-funded ‘‘refugee welcoming groups’’ and directed as to where and how to claim their benefits. Where to get FREE furnished accommodation, FREE money (benefits) FREE medical treatment, FREE dentistry, FREE education (school or college), FREE legal aid to keep them here when their case comes up again and again for review. And... don’t forget the FREE offer of £3,000/£3,500 which they can claim as asylum seekers prepared to go home.
They could have stayed here and lived off us for six or seven years without any hassle and if they are told they have to leave Britain, Robina Qureshi, director of public tax funded Glasgow charity, Positive Action in Housing, would have started screaming her abuse to intimidate our authorities. Currently she tells us, ‘‘the government makes it its policy to starve people out of this country to stop them claiming refuge. ‘‘This is the same person who awards herself a salary (how much? £50,000? £60,000 annually - she won’t tell us) and expenses from our taxes, our wage packets via the government.
Will any action will be taken against the bogus colleges. Will the fake ‘‘students’’ be deported. Don’t hold your breath.
Clearly the British people are being shafted by the mammoth asylum and immigration con. And don’t forget the ££££millions being doled out to the money-wasting refugee/asylum support groups.
Posted by: Mike, London on 5:10pm Wed 11 Jul 07
"robust immigration policies",the mans a fool,I hope you Scot's realise how lucky you are to be able to dump these morons at Westminster.If you are in any doubt,take a trip south and see what they have in store for you.Vote for an independent country,while you still have one to vote for.
"robust immigration policies",the mans a fool,I hope you Scot's realise how lucky you are to be able to dump these morons at Westminster.If you are in any doubt,take a trip south and see what they have in store for you.Vote for an independent country,while you still have one to vote for.
Posted by: Jamie O'Neill, Glasgow on 11:58am Thu 12 Jul 07
The Herald is becoming more and more of a joke every day with their stories. Block 'em will be your biggest fan!!! ha ha ha
The Herald is becoming more and more of a joke every day with their stories. Block 'em will be your biggest fan!!! ha ha ha
Posted by: ricky, gla on 6:49pm Thu 12 Jul 07
its hard to believe some people are taking these colleges as a threat to the immigration policy?? even the students of these"college" pay sum 300-400 every year to the home office to get their visa, so its a pocket money for the home office isn't it?
its hard to believe some people are taking these colleges as a threat to the immigration policy?? even the students of these"college" pay sum 300-400 every year to the home office to get their visa, so its a pocket money for the home office isn't it?
Posted by: BLOCKEM, Glasgow on 9:14pm Thu 12 Jul 07
Jamie O’Neill posted .......‘‘The Herald is becoming more and more of a joke every day with their stories. Block 'em will be your biggest fan!!! ha ha ha’’
First of all, The Herald is not a ‘‘joke’’. The Herald has taken a responsible lead in reporting this possible scam. Let’s hope that the Border and Immigration Agency will take up the Herald findings.
Your criticism of The Herald is not the real intent of your comment. Your agenda is within is the content of my posting, i.e., my criticism of Robina Qureshi and her public funded charity, Positive Action In Housing. You are an employee of PAIH. You work for Robina Qureshi, ‘‘the boss’’ as you call her. Both you and Ms. Qureshi get your wage packets (taxpayers’ money) from the settlement of asylum seekers in Glasgow. The charity was set up some twelve years ago to create housing allocation (jumping the queue) for the so called ‘‘ethnic minorities’’. The initial reasons for establishing this charity are now defunct. Any attempts to give ethnic minorities (or anyone else) preferential treatment in housing allocation is discriminating against other house seekers. The charity is now being used as a base to support FAILED asylum seekers and to keep Robina Qureshi, yourself and others in salaries and expenses. Abuse and insults are showered on those, official or otherwise, who have the audacity to speak out against the massive asylum and immigration con. Verbal intimidation is used to silence our councillors, MSP‘s and area MP’s. Via the Scottish Executive, PAiH received £227,393 of taxpayers’ money from 2003-2006. They also received £92,677 from Communities Scotland over a similar period. We finance this charity to carry on their hostilities against our society.
Perhaps The Herald would care to carry out an inquiry into the funding of Positive action in Housing and how much of taxpayers’ finance has actually been used to house the number of so called ‘‘ethnic minorities’’.
Oh, and Mr. O’Neill, I note that you offered no constructive comment on the Herald article other than to use same as an excuse to let go your insults, in this instance, extremely mild to be coming from Positive Action in Housing. And thanks for giving me farther opportunity to speak out against PAiH!!!! HA! HA! HA!
Jamie O’Neill posted .......‘‘The Herald is becoming more and more of a joke every day with their stories. Block 'em will be your biggest fan!!! ha ha ha’’
First of all, The Herald is not a ‘‘joke’’. The Herald has taken a responsible lead in reporting this possible scam. Let’s hope that the Border and Immigration Agency will take up the Herald findings.
Your criticism of The Herald is not the real intent of your comment. Your agenda is within is the content of my posting, i.e., my criticism of Robina Qureshi and her public funded charity, Positive Action In Housing. You are an employee of PAIH. You work for Robina Qureshi, ‘‘the boss’’ as you call her. Both you and Ms. Qureshi get your wage packets (taxpayers’ money) from the settlement of asylum seekers in Glasgow. The charity was set up some twelve years ago to create housing allocation (jumping the queue) for the so called ‘‘ethnic minorities’’. The initial reasons for establishing this charity are now defunct. Any attempts to give ethnic minorities (or anyone else) preferential treatment in housing allocation is discriminating against other house seekers. The charity is now being used as a base to support FAILED asylum seekers and to keep Robina Qureshi, yourself and others in salaries and expenses. Abuse and insults are showered on those, official or otherwise, who have the audacity to speak out against the massive asylum and immigration con. Verbal intimidation is used to silence our councillors, MSP‘s and area MP’s. Via the Scottish Executive, PAiH received £227,393 of taxpayers’ money from 2003-2006. They also received £92,677 from Communities Scotland over a similar period. We finance this charity to carry on their hostilities against our society.
Perhaps The Herald would care to carry out an inquiry into the funding of Positive action in Housing and how much of taxpayers’ finance has actually been used to house the number of so called ‘‘ethnic minorities’’.
Oh, and Mr. O’Neill, I note that you offered no constructive comment on the Herald article other than to use same as an excuse to let go your insults, in this instance, extremely mild to be coming from Positive Action in Housing. And thanks for giving me farther opportunity to speak out against PAiH!!!! HA! HA! HA!
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