News
Many foreign students to lose right to bring family to UK
Foreign postgraduate students on non-research courses will no longer be able to bring family members to the UK, under new immigration curbs.
The announcement has been made two days before official statistics are expected to show legal migration has hit a record 700,000 this year.
Last year, 135,788 visas were granted to dependants of foreign students, nearly nine times the 2019 figure.
PM Rishi Sunak told ministers the move would help bring migration down.
He told the cabinet that the change, to begin in January 2024, will make a “significant difference to the numbers,” according to No 10.
However, the impact it will have on official migration levels is unclear, since students and family members who come to the UK for less than a year are not counted.
Last week, he said ministers were “considering a range of options” to bring migration down, but refused to say what an acceptable level was.
The Conservatives have previously promised to bring net migration below 100,000 a year, but ditched the target ahead of the 2019 election after repeatedly failing to meet it.
Under the announcement, partners and children of postgraduate students other than those studying on courses designated as research programmes will no longer be allowed to apply to live in the UK during the course.
There were 135,788 visas granted to dependants last year, a rise from 54,486 in 2021, and more than seven times the 19,139 granted in 2020.
These figures have increased since study visa requirements for European Economic Area (EEA) students were introduced after Brexit.
Applications have also risen since rules were changed in 2019 to allow foreign students to stay in the UK for two years after graduating to look for jobs.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the rise in dependants being granted visas was “unprecedented,” and it was “time for us to tighten up this route to ensure we can cut migration numbers”.
In a statement to Parliament, she added that the move “strikes the right balance” between bringing down migration and “protecting the economic benefits that students can bring to the UK”.
There was a division within government about going further – and possibly banning the dependants of all postgraduate students, including those on research courses.
But some ministers, including Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, argued they were based in the UK longer and provided greater economic benefits.
‘Less alone’
Titilope came to the UK from Nigeria to do a degree in mental health nursing
The BBC spoke to two Nigerian students studying at Wolverhampton University.
Rotimi, who is doing a masters degree in mechanical engineering, says he understands why politicians might want to reduce immigration levels.
But he adds that most of those coming to the UK to study also “look beyond studying” – and want their family to be “part of that experience”.
He says that without a way for overseas students to bring their family, “most people won’t even consider leaving” – or might opt to study elsewhere instead.
As an undergraduate doing a course in mental health nursing, Titilope isn’t in the category of students that can bring dependents to the UK.
However, she says that allowing students to have family with them means they can focus on their studies, without having to worry about whether “they have money, or if they are alright”.
“At the same time, you know that you have the family there. If you’re going through a tough time, it’s always better to have the family to talk it through. You don’t feel so alone.”
Universities UK (UUK), umbrella group for British universities, said it recognised the “substantial” rise in dependant visas had sometimes led to “local challenges” over family accommodation and schooling.
“Given this, some targeted measures to mitigate this rise may be reasonable,” said Jamie Arrowsmith, the director of UUK’s international arm.
He called on the government to work with universities to monitor the effect of the changes, adding they were “likely to have a disproportionate impact on women and students from certain countries”.
The University and College Union (UCU), which represents university staff, called it a “vindictive move” that had raised “deep concern” within the sector.
Those accompanying overseas students to the UK “bring huge value to our society and deserve the right to live alongside their loved ones whilst they study,” its general secretary Jo Grady said.
Student numbers
According to HESA, an education data group, there were 679,970 international students in the UK in 2021/2022.
Of these 307,470 were undergraduates, who already can’t bring family members to the UK during their course.
There were 372,500 postgraduates, of whom 46,350 are on research courses – the vast majority of them for PhDs, along with a small number of research-based masters degrees.
Students coming to the UK with a visa need to provide documents proving their relationship to dependants, who have to pay £490 for a visa.
Dependants are also required to pay the immigration health surcharge – an annual contribution between £470 and £624 towards NHS services.
I am an experienced financial analyst & writer who is well known for his ability to foretell market trends as well.
In the world of technology and innovation, few names shine as brightly as Elon Musk’s. With his ventures ranging from electric vehicles to space exploration, Musk has become a household name synonymous with groundbreaking achievements. But wait, did he really buy Google? Let’s unravel this intriguing rumor with a sprinkle of humor and simplicity.
What company does Elon Musk own?
Elon Musk is a man of many hats, or should we say, helmets. He is best known for being the CEO and founder of SpaceX, Tesla, and Neuralink, and he also co-founded PayPal back in the day. So, he owns quite a few prominent companies, but Google isn’t one of them.
How many does Elon Musk own?
Well, it’s hard to keep track of Elon’s empire. He’s like a real-life Tony Stark, owning SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink, The Boring Company, and probably a secret moon base too (just kidding). But Google? Nah!
What did Elon Musk originally own?
Elon’s entrepreneurial journey began with Zip2, a city guide software for newspapers. Then he sold PayPal to eBay, which was quite a payday. But he never owned Google. He’s not the guy you call for your web search problems.
Did Elon invest in DeepMind?
Yes, he did invest in DeepMind before Google bought it in 2014. But that’s not the same as owning Google, right? It’s like saying you own a pizza place because you once bought a slice.
What is Elon Musk’s IQ?
Elon Musk’s IQ is often rumored to be off the charts, but there’s no official record. He’s probably too busy sending rockets to Mars to take an IQ test.
Did Elon Musk start PayPal?
Elon co-founded X.com, which later became PayPal. But PayPal is a separate entity from Google. Google has its wallet, but it’s not filled with Elon’s cash.
How many CEOs does Elon Musk have?
Musk likes to be in charge. He’s the big cheese at Tesla, SpaceX, and others. But, Google’s CEO is Sundar Pichai, not Elon.
How big is Elon Musk’s money?
Elon’s wealth is astronomical, literally and figuratively. He’s one of the richest people on Earth, thanks to his various ventures. But he didn’t buy the whole Googleplex.
Is Elon Musk an engineer?
Yes, he is! Elon Musk studied physics and economics but dropped out of a Ph.D. program to pursue his dreams. He’s a real-life Iron Man without the suit (or Google).
Who owns Tesla now?
Elon Musk still owns a substantial stake in Tesla and is the CEO. So, Tesla is in his capable hands, not Google’s.
Who runs Twitter now?
Jack Dorsey was running Twitter, but as of my last knowledge update in September 2021, he was still the CEO. Things may have changed since then, but Elon Musk wasn’t in the running for Twitter’s top spot.
What makes Elon Musk successful?
Elon’s secret sauce? A dash of innovation, a pinch of perseverance, a sprinkle of audacity, and a whole lot of hard work. But still, no Google ownership.
What is Elon Musk’s goal in life?
Elon wants to make life multi-planetary by establishing a human presence on Mars. He also aims to transition the world to sustainable energy with Tesla. He doesn’t have time for Google acquisitions.
Why Elon Musk is unique?
Elon’s uniqueness lies in his ability to turn science fiction into reality. He’s a risk-taker who isn’t afraid to tackle big problems, like colonizing other planets. Google is big, but not quite “colonize Mars” big.
What are 3 reasons Elon Musk is successful?
- Vision: Elon dreams big and takes bold steps to achieve his goals.
- Innovation: He’s a master of disruptive technologies, from electric cars to reusable rockets.
- Resilience: Elon faces setbacks head-on and keeps pushing forward.
Who owns Google?
Google is owned by Alphabet Inc., a parent company formed in 2015. Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the co-founders of Google, were instrumental in creating Alphabet. Elon Musk is not in the picture here.
Elon Musk Buys?
Elon Musk buys a lot of things, from companies to electric cars. But Google isn’t one of his recent purchases.
Did Elon Musk Buy Google and Facebook?
No, Elon Musk didn’t buy Google or Facebook. Those are separate entities with their own owners, like Mark Zuckerberg for Facebook.
Did Elon Musk Buy Mercedes?
Elon didn’t buy Mercedes-Benz, although Tesla has been a strong competitor in the electric vehicle market. Mercedes-Benz is a part of the Daimler Group.
Elon Musk Google News
Elon Musk making headlines on Google News? Perhaps for his latest SpaceX launch or a Tesla innovation, but not for buying Google itself.
Did Elon Musk Buy Amazon?
Nope, Amazon still belongs to Jeff Bezos, who’s more into e-commerce and space travel than Google.
Did Elon Musk Buy YouTube?
YouTube is part of Google. So, no, Elon didn’t buy YouTube, but he’s been known to make appearances on the platform.
How Much Is Google Worth?
Google, or rather its parent company Alphabet, is worth a colossal amount of money. Its market capitalization is in the trillions, but it’s not in Elon’s shopping cart.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Did Elon Musk really buy Google?
- No, Elon Musk did not buy Google. Google is owned by Alphabet Inc., and Elon Musk is not associated with the ownership of Google.
2. What companies does Elon Musk own?
- Elon Musk owns and is actively involved in several companies, including SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, among others. However, Google is not one of them.
3. Did Elon Musk invest in DeepMind?
- Yes, Elon Musk did invest in DeepMind before it was acquired by Google in 2014. However, this investment does not mean he owns Google.
4. Who owns Google now?
- Google is owned by Alphabet Inc., a parent company formed in 2015. Alphabet Inc. was created by Google’s co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
5. Did Elon Musk buy Facebook or any other major companies?
- No, Elon Musk did not buy Facebook or any other major companies like Google. Facebook is owned by Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly known as Facebook, Inc.
6. How much is Google worth?
- As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., had a market capitalization in the trillions of dollars. However, for the most current valuation, it’s best to check financial news sources.
Conclusion
Elon Musk is undeniably a prominent figure in the tech and innovation world, with numerous successful ventures under his belt. However, the rumor that he bought Google is just that—a rumor. Google remains owned by Alphabet Inc., and Elon Musk’s involvement lies in his own array of pioneering companies. For accurate information about acquisitions and ownership, it’s essential to rely on credible news sources and official announcements.
Aslo Read : Home Library Organization: Where Chaos Meets Comedy
Ody Team is a qualified social media expert at Coding The Line, London. He had graduated from the University of Cambridge
A $10 billion Saudi-backed oil refinery project planned in Pakistan’s port city of Gwadar aims to capitalize on the troubled economy’s potential, and, sources say, lay a foundation for taking in more Russian crude.
Four Pakistani state-owned energy companies late last week signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Saudi Aramco, which will inject the initial 30% equity into the project. Once built, the refinery will be able to process 300,000 barrels per day, according to details released by the government.
That alone would surpass the combined total of 215,000 barrels per day of petroleum products refined in Pakistan in 2020-2021, according to a report by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority.
The quartet of enterprises — Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), and Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL) — also signed a memorandum with China National Offshore Oil Corp. for engineering, procurement and construction of the refinery. Gwadar has long been positioned as the heart of China’s Belt and Road projects in the country.
Pakistan is mired in political and economic crises, which forced it to go to the International Monetary Fund for a $3 billion standby bailout arrangement to avoid a default. For this reason, some experts Nikkei Asia interviewed expressed skepticism about the refinery project, questioning the need for the additional capacity in light of the economic woes. Security is also an ever-present concern, highlighted by a deadly suicide bombing in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday.
But some argue that the parties involved are playing a longer game. James Dorsey, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, reasoned that although the economic situation in Pakistan is not ideal, the country, with a population of over 200 million, still has huge economic upside. “This refinery will take a few years to build and by that time economic growth is anticipated in Pakistan,” he said.
The refinery could handle Russian crude, which Pakistan has just begun importing. With Ukraine war sanctions limiting Russia’s export options and forcing discounts, a cash-strapped Islamabad turned to Moscow to bolster its energy supplies. Pakistan recently imported one shipment of Russian crude and is negotiating a second with a long-term oil transportation deal.
The secretive dealings have raised several questions: over Pakistan’s ability to process the Russian oil, as well as shipment costs, and how exactly the government can pay for the fuel in Chinese yuan. Nevertheless, a Pakistani government official privy to the developments told Nikkei on condition of anonymity that importing oil from Russia has been a success.
“Pakistan plans to increase its oil imports from Russia, which would result in a need for additional refinery capacity in Pakistan,” the official said. “The proposed refinery in Gwadar will possibly help refine increasing volumes of Russian crude.”
The Saudis, meanwhile, have been eyeing this project for some time. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan in February 2019 brought the first announcement that a $10 billion oil refinery would be built in Gwadar. After a four-year interval, Dorsey believes Riyadh is likely serious about the project now.
“Initially the Pakistanis tried to integrate the [Gwadar refinery] project in BRI but the Chinese refused it,” Dorsey said, saying the project can now move ahead outside the Belt and Road framework.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, left, meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in April 2022. © Saudi Royal Court via ReutersThe Saudi investors have been promised a 20-year tax holiday. Alex Vatanka, founding director of the Iran program at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, believes Aramco’s decision must have convincing commercial logic. “An investment on this scale has commercial merit,” he said. “The Saudis have the money, the economic vision, and Pakistan’s energy market is both huge and hungry.”
Experts also note that the deal comes in the context of Saudi-Iranian rapprochement, and that this could be a factor in the refinery, which is to be built just 90 kilometers from the Iranian border.
Luke Przybyszewski, president of the Abhaseed Foundation Fund, a Polish group of Middle East experts, said Pakistan could reap rewards from both sides of that detente. “Cheap energy from Iran and [foreign direct investment] from Saudi Arabia seems to be a good choice, perhaps currently acceptable to both Riyadh and Tehran,” he said.
But in Gwadar itself, some are doubtful they will see big benefits. Aslam Bhootani, a member of the National Assembly representing Gwadar, complained that the details of the project have not been discussed with him. “We often hear that MOUs are signed, but there is no development on the ground,” Bhootani said. “To date, Gwadar does not have an uninterrupted and guaranteed supply of power,” he added. “Unless this issue is resolved, no megaproject in the coastal town can be successful.”
Ody Team is a qualified social media expert at Coding The Line, London. He had graduated from the University of Cambridge
