VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Visas: English Language

Asked by Sarah OwenLabourHome OfficeTabled Answered 25 July 2025UIN 69082

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make it her policy to waive the Secure English Language Test requirement for foundation year students applying for study visas from the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Answered by Seema Malhotra

The Government is keeping all existing visa pathways under review in response to events in Gaza. Palestinians who wish to settle in the UK can do so via the existing routes available.

The English language requirements on the Student route are designed to ensure that Students being offered places to study in the UK are genuine students who also genuinely possess the English language ability required to see their course through to completion.

Officials are working across government to address the complex issues arising from the current situation in Gaza.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim