1,100 scientists and students barred from UK amid China crackdown
In leading universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College, Chinese academics account for a majority of those denied clearance.Figures obtained by the Guardian reveal that a record 1,104 scientists and postgraduate students were rejected by Foreign Office vetting in 2022, up from 128 in 2020 and just 13 in 2016. Scientists say the scheme is leaving universities struggling to recruit the best talent from abroad.
Five Chinese scientists at Imperial college, who did not pass clearance despite having already held positions at UK universities for several years – may have to leave the UK as a result. Last year in July, a report emerged that 50 Chinese students have left the UK in the past three years.
Charles Parton, a China expert at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), said that a tightening of security was “encouraging”.