Written question WQ83393

The Welsh Government is determined that citizens from other countries who have chosen to study, visit or work in Wales feel welcomed and valued members of our communities.

Any change to the UK’s immigration system has an impact across the four nations. In recognition of this, the Welsh Government must be given meaningful opportunity to work together with the Home Office on the development and implementation of migration policy, as well as being given opportunity to highlight any direct impact of policy changes on devolved competencies.

The recent introduction of the Graduate route, which provides an opportunity for international students who have been awarded their degree to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for two years, or three years for doctoral students, has been welcomed by the sector in Wales and will undoubtedly make it easier for Wales to both attract and retain individuals from elsewhere in the world.

Our Working Wales service, delivered by Careers Wales, provides professional careers information, advice and guidance to help those living in Wales to get into work or further their career. Working Wales advisers can provide tips and advice on searching for a job and with the different stages of job hunting, including how to improve interview techniques and writing an effective CV. Working Wales also deliver a range of online Careers Fairs for job seekers and employers, local and national.

The GO Wales: Achieve through Work Experience Programme supports the employability of young students on higher education courses in Wales who face barriers in accessing work experience and who are most at risk of not securing employment, education or training when leaving their HE course. The Programme provides tailored work experience opportunities and support for full-time students under the age of 25 years, including those who have the legal right to live in the UK for the period of support from the project, i.e. whilst studying.

Wales remains a friendly, outward-looking and tolerant place to study. We deeply value our international students from the EU and beyond and look forward to welcoming many more to our world-class institutions.