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The Herald Scotland
15 hours ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
'Let our students in,' top Scots university tells Home Office
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." Read more: Senior Aberdeen councillor suspended after callling colleague 'sexist' Crown Office warned of human rights violations over Palestine Action crackdown Long Covid charities quit working group over Scottish Government 'failure' 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.
Leaders
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
British MPs Urge Visa Waiver for Palestinian Students in Gaza
Over 70 British MPs have signed a letter urging the British government to delay the implementation of biometric requirements for 80 Palestinian students in Gaza, according to Sky News. The move comes as a response to the ongoing Israeli war in the Palestinian enclave that has prevented the students from completing the mandatory biometric checks. Therefore, a government waiver would allow them to secure their university placements in the UK. '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,' the letter said. Currently, Labour MPs Abtisam Mohamed and Barry Gardiner are spearheading the appeal to the government. To obtain UK visas, students should require a portrait photo and fingerprint scans. Such biometric data allows border officials to perform identity checks and verify that visa applicants are not on a watchlist. Thus, they ensure their eligibility to come to the UK. 'Unless the government makes rapid progress with offering visas and coordinating evacuations over the next week, students who should be starting university next month in the UK will be among those who are being shot dead at aid sites, bombed in displacement camps or starving as famine spreads deeper in Gaza,' the letter added. Significance of Visa Waiver After the beginning of war in Gaza, the only biometric center in Gaza processing UK applications was shut down. Barry Gardiner noted that government waiving of the requirement would 'give the state of Palestine the possibility of a future.' 'These young people are the future of Palestine. They are the young talent … The state of Palestine will need everything from classical musicians right the way through to town planners,' he added. Related Topics: Israeli Security Cabinet to Decide on Gaza War Expansion British MP Announces 'Independent Gaza Tribunal' to Investigate UK Involvement in Israel's Genocide UN Sounds Alarm on Possible Israeli Military Expansion in Gaza Short link : Post Views: 16
The Herald Scotland
06-08-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Let our students in, top Scots university tells Home Office
While eighty students have received offers to study at institutions across the UK, they are stuck to Gaza until they complete digital visa checks. According to the university, 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 Almarssi, whose father was killed in a strike on an food aid station 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 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." Almarssi 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." Almarssi 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." Read more: Senior Aberdeen councillor suspended after callling colleague 'sexist' Crown Office warned of human rights violations over Palestine Action crackdown Long Covid charities quit working group over Scottish Government 'failure' Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain, who represents North East Fife, has backed the proposals. She told The Courier: 'It has been well over two months since I first raised this with the Home Office and it is unacceptable that no solutions have been found in that time. 'I am writing again to the home secretary this week alongside other MPs representing impacted universities, and will keep demanding a solution for these students.' The Home Office has been contacted for comment.
