No Jamaicans on UK deportation list

Up to late yesterday the British government had not identified any Jamaican on the list of 26,000 foreign students who are likely to face deportation from the London Metropolitan University (LMU) as part of measures to clamp down on illegal immigrants in that country.

However, yesterday a source with the British government told The Gleaner that a number of the students were still being processed.

"I have made checks and so far they have not identified any Jamaicans. Students are still being processed," the source who asked not to be named said.

The Gleaner was unable to ascertain information as to whether any Jamaican students have been enrolled at the affected university.

In the meantime, a statement from the British government which The Gleaner managed to obtain said LMU's licence to sponsor non-European Union students had been revoked after it failed to address serious and systemic failings that were identified by the United Kingdom Border Agency six months ago.

The Government said, however, that it was taking steps to assist legitimate students who might have been affected.

"We understand that genuine international students at London Met may be concerned. London Met students with a current valid visa do not have to do anything immediately. The Government is doing everything possible, working with Universities UK, to assist genuine students who have been affected," the release read.

nedburn.thaffe@gleanerjm.com