Embassy ‘actively seeking’ to transfer Libyan students to other countries

Students studying English in Malta funded by the Libyan government may soon be transferred to other countries due to alleged problems being encountered when trying to extend or renew their visas.

In an email sent to the top five English language schools in Malta, the Libyan Cultural Affairs advises the schools to forward any outstanding invoices to settle any balances.

“It is with deep regret that we are obliged to inform you that all students whose visas are due to expire, will not be able to extend or renew. Therefore, within a few months, there will cease to be any Libyan students studying English in Malta,” the Libyan Embassy writes in an email seen by MaltaToday.

While extending the “heartfelt gratitude” for the excellent services provided to the students, the Libyan Embassy said “recent changes” in immigration legislation has presented obstacles for Libyan students, “preventing” them from extending and renewing visas.

“Consequently, the Libyan Embassy in Malta is actively seeking to transfer students to other countries,” the email continues.

Contacted by MaltaToday, Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella expressed surprise at the news, pointing out that renewal or visa extension was a home affairs matter.

“However, I am not aware of any changes to the legislation,” the minister added.

A spokeswoman for the Home Affairs Ministry confirmed that no changes to the Immigration Act were made recently.

“We are not posing any obstacles or stopping visa renewals. For security reasons, we are being more vigilant in that applicants prove that they are students. The extra vigilance is required in order to ensure there is no abuse,” the spokeswoman said.

Businessmen who expressed concern over the email said losing Libyan students would be a huge blow to the industry.

According to one businessman, the loss per year for businesses would amount to about €6 million.

“Normally the Embassy pays €2,500 per student per three months of intensive English course. Generally Libyans would spend at least a year to be able to reach an acceptable level of English in order to further their studies at university level. This means that the embassy would pay €10,000 for one person over a year,” one businessman said.

Another source added that many of these students generally remain in Malta to study at the University of Malta and obtain a degree which could cost anything between €10,000 and €20,000. The figure excludes living costs.