More than 150 academics have claimed in a joint letter than universities are acting as an ¡°extension¡± of government immigration authorities, and eroding the trust of their students in the process.

In a letter published today in The Guardian, the group says it opposes the ¡°acquiescence¡± of universities in ¡°acting as an extension of the UKVI [UK Visas and Immigration], thereby undermining the autonomy and academic freedom of UK universities and trust between academics and their students¡±.

They say that since London Metropolitan University had its license to sponsor international students removed in 2012 (it was reinstated the following year) universities have become ¡°preoccupied¡± with UK Visas and Immigration requirements.

The group objects to the use of pastoral care as a ¡°mechanism¡± for monitoring international students.

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They also oppose the use of biometric scanning systems and signing-in mechanisms which ¡°single out¡± non-European Union students, and universities that monitor the behaviour of students that is ¡°unrelated to academic endeavour¡±.

It urges Universities UK, the vice-chancellors¡¯ body, to ¡°oppose the discriminatory treatment of non-EU students in all forms¡±.

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All students should be ¡°treated equally regarding their attendance at classes¡±, the letter says, and their ¡°right to privacy be respected, irrespective of their nationality¡±.

It also calls on UUK to affirm ¡°the right of universities to autonomy in making decisions on progression and retention of non-EU students¡±.

david.matthews@tsleducation.com