'Let our students in,' top Scots university tells Home Office

The Herald Scotland

5 hours ago

While eighty students have received offers to study at institutions across the UK, they are stuck in Gaza until they complete digital visa checks.
However, the students do not have access to biometric services and are unable to access visas in Jordan or Egypt as these borders are controlled by the Israeli government.
The UK previously waived biometric requirements for Ukrainian students after Russia invaded the country in 2022.
More than one million Gazans have been displaced since October 2023. (Image: AP) Abeer Almassri, whose father was killed in an air strike outside the Indonesian Hospital two weeks ago, plans to study for a MSc in Health Data Sciences at the university.
However, she is unable to leave Gaza and begin her course in September.
She said: "In Gaza, where wars frequently occur and more than 200,000 people have been injured in the current conflict, the health care situation is very complex.
"I have seen many challenges, and with the gained skills from doing my Master's degree in this program, I could address the complex medical challenges, contribute in improving patient care and rebuilding the medical services in Gaza."
Dozens of MPs have signed a letter asking the Home Office to delay the checks.
Labour MPs Abtisam Mohamed and Barry Gardiner are leading the charge, telling Home Secretary Yvette Cooper: 'Even before the war, leaving Gaza to pursue higher education was a complex process. The ongoing siege and restrictions made travel extremely difficult, but in the current state of constant bombardment, shootings at aid sites, and an IPC-declared famine, this process has become all but impossible."
Much of Gaza has been destroyed in recent months. (Image: The Guardian/YouTube) The UK used to operate an authorised data centre in Gaza which issued biometric certifications. However, this was closed in November 2023 after the October 7th attacks.
Mr Gardiner told Sky News: 'These young people are the future of Palestine. They are the young talent, and it doesn't matter whether they're constructing a road network, or a sewage system, or they're town planners or, as in the case of Haia Mohamed, astonishingly profound poets - the state of Palestine will need everything from classical musicians right the way through to town planners.
'And these youngsters are coming over here with that full range of study potential, with the express intention of going back and building their nation."
Almassri also spoke about her father, Hamed, 60, who she said was her biggest supporter.
"My father was a simple man who loved life, loved people, and was loved by everyone. He was a sociable person with many acquaintances and friends.
"He had a strong will and the determination to change for the better. He fought hard to raise us in the best way. He was friendly, compassionate, and helpful to everyone.
Yvette Cooper has been urged to waive the checks"I have never seen anyone like him in my life who possessed a broad understanding of all fields. He could discuss any topic with you. He was cultured and aware, and loved reading. He was keen to help us complete our education.
"Despite all the difficult circumstances we lived and continue to live, he was optimistic, always making me feel that there was still hope and opportunity for a better future."
Almassri added: "My father was always my primary supporter. He was very proud of me and my accomplishments. He encouraged me to enroll in my master's degree.
"My scholarship to complete my master's degree was not just an educational opportunity; it was my father's long-awaited dream.
"My father was my role model. He taught me kindness and helping people. He taught me how to be strong, how to fight until I achieve my goals.
"I will try to make him proud as he was always I will never stop, I will go on and pursue my studies as he wanted. My father still alive in my mind, in my soul and in my heart, the mention of the great people like him won't die. It survives forever."
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St Andrews' Deputy Principal Professor Brad MacKay told The Herald: "It is vital that the Home Office urgently provides safe passage to Palestinian students trapped in Gaza who have secured fully funded places at Scottish and UK universities. These students have overcome extraordinary obstacles to pursue their education, and their academic opportunities represent a lifeline for their futures.
"Denying them the ability to take up their places not only undermines the UK's global commitment to education and humanitarian principles but also deprives our universities of the diverse perspectives and talents these students bring.
"Facilitating their entry is a moral imperative and an investment in the transformative power of higher education."
The Home Office has been contacted for comment.