Kerala man, who received scholarship to attend UK health summit, denied visa; writes blog

A researcher from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in Kerala was denied a visa to attend a major conference on health systems in the United Kingdom, Hindustan Times reported.

In a detailed blog post, Sabu KU, who was given a scholarship to attend the Global Symposium on Health Systems, reflected 'richer nations stereotyped views of individuals from poorer counties as being illegal migrants who would try and overstay their visas'.

“In reality, it shows that even if someone from an LMIC (lower-middle income country) receives a full scholarship to attend such an international symposium, that person must also belong to an upper and middle-class family that is able to maintain a sufficiently high bank balance for the minimum three months," he wrote.

In a mail to Hindustan Times, The Home Office refused to comment on individual visa applications, but said: “All UK visa applications are considered on their individual merits and in line with UK immigration rules and guidance. The onus is on the applicant to demonstrate that they satisfy the immigration rules. In addition to any support provided by a sponsor, decision-makers will take account of an applicant’s own personal and financial circumstances in assessing whether the application meets the requirements for the immigration rules.”