MORE than 2000 academics from across the UK have demanded that the Labour Government remove visa restrictions for Palestinians with scholarships to British universities who are trapped in Gaza.
The calls from the academics come after it was reported this week that time is running out for more than 40 students in Gaza with full scholarships to UK universities, as they are unable to fulfil their visa requirements due to the war.
In an open letter, the academics are calling on the UK Government to defer biometric visas and to open a route of safe passage for the incoming students so they can take up their places of study in September.
It is believed that there are also a further 40 Palestinian students who are waiting for scholarship decisions and private funding.
The letter, which has been signed by more than 2000 academics across the UK, including those belonging to Scottish institutions, says the students are living amidst conditions of “complete devastation” in Gaza and are facing an “administrative block” to enable them to take up places at top UK universities.
It added that the UK Government is yet to open a path where Palestinian students could apply for a visa and safely travel to their universities, despite repeated requests for assistance from UK universities and academics since the spring of 2025.
The letter states UK visas require applicants to enroll their biometric data before an application can be processed, but since October 7, 2023, the applications centre in Gaza has been closed due to “safety concerns for staff and applicants”.
The letter added: “A biometrics deferral protocol was established in 2023, but efforts made by both students and legal counsel to apply for this deferral have so far gone unanswered.
“Without action, these students–already trapped by a global political system that has failed them–will be blocked by the UK’s visa system, despite their incredible work in obtaining some of the most competitive scholarships in the country.
“UK universities have an opportunity to build the capacity of these scholars and equip them with cutting-edge resources in health, engineering, humanities, and social sciences, which will be fundamental to the eventual rebuilding of Gaza.”
The document, which is addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer, urges them to defer biometric data applications for visa applicants in [[Gaza]].
The letter concludes that as the new start of the academic year approaches, the UK Government has been urged to act quickly on the academics' request for the futures of the Palestinian students.
