Evacuated UK nationals from Afghanistan - residency criteria changes: equality impact assessment

6. The Scope of the EQIA

The proposed policy change has relevance to the protected characteristic race. As the change to the residency criteria would open up opportunities and have a positive impact on any prospective students who meets this criteria, it is considered that a concise and focussed Equality Impact Assessment is proportionate in these circumstances.

Identifying potential numbers of individuals fitting the criteria of UK nationals who have fled Ukraine as a result of the Russian invasion has been particularly difficult. We have engaged with the other UK administrations on this issue and consider that the numbers will be very low. There will also be some individuals in this category who may already be eligible for support under the current temporary absence rules. This allows someone who has settled status in the UK and left the UK temporarily for study/work to be supported upon their return.