We have been made aware of the case of an academic at Durham University today – Dr Ernesto Schwartz-Marin It appears that he has been given 14 days to leave the country as his appeal to have his visa renewed has been turned down. He has been told that he has spent too many days out of the country, conducting his field research, which you can find out about on this youtube news report.
Durham University UCU has been encouraging its members to write to their MP to do what they can to urge a re-think in the Home Office. At present, Ernesto, his wife and 10 year old daughter face having to leave the country. That cannot be good for any of them. You can write to your MP here: writetothem.com
UCU hope that sense can prevail. Academics need to be able to conduct field research and that will sometimes involve being out of the country. This is particularly the case with the type of work that Dr Schwartz-Marin is involved in.
We hope that minds can be changed at the Home Office and that Ernesto and his family are able to stay in this country.
Solidarity event on 15th March on the USS strike Durham University picket line:
