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The National Union of Students (NUS) are running a campaign called "Beyond Borders: Equality at Work for International Students", based on removing the 20 hour work limit for international students and the restrictions on types of work.

Currently, International students can only work up to 20 hours per week, while this rule doesn't apply to home students. Also, international students aren't allowed to be self-employed or work as an entertainer, which is a challenge for us that do a degree in performing arts and other students wanting careers in the arts or as entrepreneurs.

In a recent survey over 70% of students said that the 20-hour working cap was a key barrier in accessing equal opportunities. Many international students often can't meet the costs of surviving when they cannot legally work more than 20 hours a week. Importantly, these restrictions do not apply to home students, creating a two-tier labour market where some student workers get exploited more easily by employers, undermining working conditions for all students. As the UK has a shortage of labour, increasing the hours international students (600.00 of us!) can work isn't only just but also economically beneficent for all.

I have myself been as proactive as possible to be ready for work, but as an international student trying to pursue a degree in music, I daily feel like I'm walking against the wind. As an international student, I pay a substantially amount more in tuition fees as well as the Visa and every fee that comes with. I have the time, capacity and dedication to work, but the 20-hour cap and restriction to be an entertainer and self-employed has led to a lot of important job offers that would enhance my degree being turned down. Even job offers where I have been told that I was the best candidate, but because I am an international they could not accept me.

Everyone should have the same rights in the workplace. NUS calls on the Government to lift the working hours restrictions on international students and restrictions to the type of work .

The Exec Officers should support the NUS Campaign "Beyond Borders: Equality at Work for International Students" and encourage the students and other universities to support it too.

Link to campaign: https://www.nus.org.uk/international-students-equality-at-work