Business schools also affected

The problem is also affecting business schools and universities that offer short business courses or modules. The UK Council of International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and the Association of Business Schools both object to the rules and have lobbied the government. However, they are yet to get a “substantive reply”.

“Those most affected are doing part-time MBAs and we know of one university with over 1,000 affected, most of whom are doing company-sponsored programmes,” said Dominic Scott, CEO of UKCISA.

He said the wording of the BVV rules was too complicated and that many didn’t realise they could hold two types of visa at the same time. Entry clearance officials were also not sufficiently aware of the law.

“Those most affected are those doing part-time MBAs and we know of one university with over 1,000 affected”

“Even where they are, busy business visitors find it difficult to go without their passport and apply for a second visa each time they want to make a quick visit to UK for a two to three-day module,” he added.

Like the best language schools, universities and business schools are highly trusted sponsors, and can’t risk bending the rules at a time when the government is tougher than ever about Tier 4 compliancy (and willing to punish noncompliant institutions such as London Metropolitan University).

This leaves them little choice but to accept the status quo, which should worry the government as it tries to attract more business visitors to the UK. In February, Prime Minister David Cameron unveiled a “same day visa service” for the world’s economic boom cities, starting in India, after business visitors complained that getting permission to visit the UK was too bureaucratic and slow.

“We are aware of the feedback from business visitors and educational establishments and will consider their views”

Business English UK told The PIE that the Home Office was considering whether to allow those on general visitor visas to study short courses – which is significant in itself – although it had not confirmed whether this would include BVVs. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Home Office told The PIE: “We are aware of the feedback from business visitors and educational establishments and will consider their views.”