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International students say far-right riots destroying Britain's reputation for safety
Trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, August 4, 2024

INDIAN post-graduate students told of their shock today at the far-right riots continuing to sweep across Britain as they predicted a major fall in post-graduate applications from abroad.

Garima Singh, 36, said she was too scared to leave her house-share over the planned disorder in Harrow, north-west London.

The masters student at the University of West of Scotland’s London campus, who came to Britain in 2022 to further her career prospects, said: “I’m feeling scared because today it’s going to happen in Harrow and I’ve been advised from many people not to go outside.

“International students are here only for their studies and for their futures, so this kind of thing disturbs them. 

“When we chose the UK, we had considered what is the safest place? In India we have many options like the US, Canada or Australia.”

She said the riots would lead to a “significant change” in Britain’s reputation for safety among potential Indian international students.

“I don’t think the UK will be the top priority after seeing the present scenario,” she said.

“If I was in India, I don’t think I would apply to the UK for study.”

Sid Mohan, who is also Indian and a recent masters graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, said he had seen a rise in racist gangs where he lives in Ilford, east London, since 2017.

He said: “The gangs have been turned into these kind of riot-gangs — that’s what’s happening.

“I’m so concerned, particularly for girls who come from India.”

On a potential fall in students coming to Britain, he said: “It depends if the riots get worse, even if it’s one or two students targeted from India, it’s definitely going to affect it.”

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