The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), a constituent college of the University of London, has rejected two applications for visa sponsorship by #3cosas organizer and SOAS graduate Jason Moyer-Lee. Why? Because of his involvement in the cleaners campaigns. Jason’s visa runs out at the end of this month, and if SOAS does not reverse its decision he will be forced to leave the country.
This issue affects all of us! If UK universities are allowed to revoke or reject visa sponsorship to their international students because of their political activity then a very dangerous precedent will be set. Universities are keen to bring in international students to make money, but the message SOAS is sending to international students is: “You better behave yourself while you’re here or you will pay for it!”
We are calling this protest to make clear that forcing Jason out of the country because of his support for cleaners’ campaigns is NOT ACCEPTABLE!
Independent Workers Union of Great Britain - Universities of London Branch 