Student union slams Starmer over 'racist' white paper
She noted: 'We think that this is definitely going to lead to the downfall of the education sector because we are going to be seeing a snowball effect, especially with immigration restrictions tightening around students and fewer being recruited into our education system.
'We're going to see a reduction in numbers that will result in cuts being announced in universities.'
Amidst tightening immigration controls, the total number of international students at Scottish universities dropped by 12% between 2022/23 and 2023/24, from 83,975 to 73,915.
And now, the situation is expected to worsen.
Viswanathan has been president of NUS Scotland since last summer. (Image: National Union of Students)
Universities could face an foreign student tariff under the proposals laid out in the government's white paper. This tax could prove disastrous for institutions like St Andrews or Edinburgh, where fee-paying international students make up more than 40% of the student bodies.
Viswanathan also hit out at Keir Starmer's island of strangers' comment, which was widely compared to 'racialist' Enoch Powell's infamous 'Rivers of Blood' speech.
On Monday, the Prime Minister told reporters: 'In a diverse nation like ours… these rules become even more important. Without them, we risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together.'
Viswanathan said: 'I was shocked that his speech was similar to Powell's, and that he could stoop so low.'
Keir Starmer's turn of phrase has been compared to that of Enoch Powell. (Image: PA) The graduate route visa is another key target in the government's plan to reduce net migration. The graduate visa currently allows students enrolled in degree programmes to apply for a two year extension in which to find employment.
Now, Labour wants to reduce the time students have on this visa to 18 months.
Viswanathan, who noted that students already have to pay around £3,000 in visa fees, added: 'With respect to the graduate route being available, students are paying anyway to avail that opportunity.
'The tone around the graduate visa being abused is just not morally incorrect, but it is also politically and financially incorrect. The amount of the contributions that international students are making in the sector is significant.
Viswanathan, the first woman of colour to serve as NUS Scotland president, told The Herald:
'Mentioning that the system is being abused just puts the UK on the back seat on league tables.
'It is not a wise statement, it is just very racist, anti migrant rhetoric that Labour is using to keep their position stable among the general British public who do believe that migrants are 'stealing their jobs'. They are trying to play by the Reform label.'
Net migration decreased by 178,000 between 2023 and 2024.According to a 2023 study, international students generate £41.9b for the UK economy every year, an average of £560 per resident.
Viswanathan, who was born in India, said the UK can often be unwelcoming to people who emigrate from other parts of the world.
She remarked: 'When we look at representation from a demographic point of view, we do not see a lot of 'global south' faces or faces from the east represented a lot in the sector.
'I don't think the general public realize that migrants come in every shape, size, and color. I think for them, the migrants are black and brown people coming in 'to steal their jobs'.
'I definitely did not feel welcome when I arrived in the UK. My experience was absolutely horrible. There were almost 100 of us standing in the immigration line with only two counters open. They were asking really intrusive questions about our courses, about our lives, about our bank account.'
More views on this issue:
Alison Rowat: As border controls tighten the debate on migration must open up
Calum Steele: Starmer's talking shop is selling fake solutions to mass migration
Catriona Stewart: Migration bill will make some people more Scottish than others
Nicola Sturgeon: Migration will secure population growth
Viswnathan warned that politicians should be aware of the power students wield at the ballot box.
She said: 'I think our message to the government, especially to the Welsh and the Scottish government who are going into these elections next year is to watch out for students because everyone can vote in these elections.
'Every single demographic, they can vote in these elections, which makes them very unique, very special. We do have a big force within NUS Wales and Scotland to mobilize.'
'We have a petition that is out so hopefully if that reaches as many signatures as possible, and that is going to be taken into consideration. We will join hands with sector partners to see what's next.'
In a statement, 10 Downing St categorically denied that Keir Starmer's 'strangers' comment was meant to evoke Enoch Powell's rhetoric.
A spokesperson said: 'The prime minister rejects those comparisons and absolutely stands behind the argument he was making that migrants make a massive contribution to our country, but migration needs to be controlled.'
Concern has been raised over the funding model for UK universities. The main body for UK universities has responded to the government's proposals.
Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said:
'Our universities recognise public concerns about immigration. That is why we are committed to maintaining robust recruitment practices. We work closely with the government to ensure that international student recruitment is sustainable, and growth is well-managed.
'Many of the changes announced today build on proposals published by UUK in September and will help preserve an internationally competitive offer to international students. Confirmation that the Graduate route will remain in place with some minor changes is particularly welcome.
Stern added: 'However, the financial challenges facing universities are well known. Following years of frozen fees, inadequate research funding and a rapid downturn in international students, the current operating environment is very challenging.
'We would urge the government to think carefully about the impact that a levy on international student fees will have on universities and the attractiveness of the UK as a study destination.'
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