Dependants of Gaza students can come to UK, government says
The government has confirmed that spouses and children of Gaza students who come to study in the UK can now join them.
This marks a reversal of the original policy that only supported the evacuation of students.
A government spokesman said each application would be assessed “on a case-by-case basis” and that dependents must meet certain requirements, including proving they can cover living costs.
Some students have previously said they cannot travel to the UK to receive their university scholarships because this would leave their children behind.
Those wishing to join relatives in the UK will need to apply for a student visa and meet requirements, including proof of sufficient funds, up to £6,120 ($8,074) for those studying outside London, or £7,605 for those studying in London.
“Students coming to the UK from Gaza have faced a horrific ordeal following two years of conflict,” a government spokesman said.
“They have endured unimaginable hardships, but now they can begin to rebuild their lives by studying at our world-class universities.
“Therefore, we support the evacuation of dependents of scholarship students who qualify to study here under immigration rules on a case-by-case basis.”
Manar al-Houbi, who previously told the BBC it was “impossible” for her to leave her three young children and husband in Gaza and begin her PhD at the University of Glasgow, said she was relieved by the policy change and hoped to be evacuated with her family “very soon”.
At least 75 Gaza students have arrived in the UK since the government began supporting the evacuations of those on full scholarships last month; these include a third group of 17 students who arrived on Monday.
But the BBC understands that six students due to start their master’s degree course in Glasgow will no longer be evacuated because they will arrive too late to start their studies this year.
Dr. Dr., a University of Birmingham researcher who is coordinating efforts to support students. Nora Parr welcomed the policy change but said she was “devastated” these six students were losing their “hard-earned places”.
“Current government policy leaves both these students and their universities in brutal uncertainty,” he said.
The University of Glasgow declined to comment. The BBC understands that if the six students arrive in time for future registration dates, the university will honor the places held by these students.
Israel launched the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, in response to an attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 people were taken hostage.
Since then, more than 65,000 people have been killed in Israeli offensives in Gaza, according to the region’s Hamas-run health ministry.
A US-brokered ceasefire agreement was signed earlier this month, and Hamas returned all 20 living hostages to Israel as part of the agreement.
But Israel hit Gaza with a new wave of attacks this week after accusing Hamas of violating the agreement by killing an Israeli soldier, which Hamas denied.
At least 104 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on Tuesday night, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
