To ask Her Majesty's Government how many students from (a) India, (b) Pakistan, and (c) Bangladesh have been affected by the activities of “bogus colleges”; and what help they have offered those students when the colleges have ceased to operate. [HL5376]

Information is not available on the number of students who have been affected by the activities of “bogus colleges” either in general or from the specified countries.

Following the withdrawal of a sponsor licence the UK Border Agency will immediately curtail the permission to stay in the United Kingdom of any students whom it believes to be complicit in any dishonesty by the former sponsor. Other students will have their leave reduced to 60 days to enable them to find a new sponsor. Those failing to find a sponsor during this time must leave the country and those who fail to do so will have their removal enforced.

Any student faced with enforced removal is advised that there is help available from the International Organisation for Migration—IOM—which assists in the voluntary return to the country of origin or residence. Help and advice on returning home is also offered by the Immigration Enquiry Bureau.