London Metropolitan University has been stripped off its rights to admit foreign students and will no longer be allowed to authorise visas, which means that more than 2,000 students face deportation from Britain.

The University declared on its website that its Highly Trusted Status (HTS) for sponsoring international students has been revoked. The declaration means that unless they find another sponsor within 60 days, the students face the danger of being deported, as said by the National Union of Students (NUS).

London Metropolitan University’s HTS status was suspended in July when the UK Border Agency (UKBA) examined alleged failings.

The University’s website posted: “The implications of the revocation are hugely significant and far-reaching, and the university has already started to deal with these. It will be working very closely with the UKBA, Higher Education Funding Council for England, the NUS and its own Students’ Union. Our absolute priority is to our students, both current and prospective, and the university will meet all its obligations to them.”

The NUS contacted Prime Minister David Cameron and Home Secretary Therasa May in the regard. NUS president Liam Burns lambasted politicians who continue to use international students as ‘political football’ an refuse to understand the dangerous implications their actions would cause on individuals, universities and the UK economy.

He added, “This decision will create panic and potential heartbreak for students not just at London Met but also all around the country.”

An NUS survey carried out earlier this year after changes to international student policies found that 40% of foreign students did not find Britain to be a congenial study destination.

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