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<p>The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) requires all non EEA students subject
to existing UK immigration permissions to obtain an ATAS certificate before they can
apply for a visa to study a postgraduate qualification in subjects which could be
used to assist programmes related to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and their means
of delivery. The decision by the Home Office to suspend all Visa Applications and
close its Visa processing network, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, means that if an
ATAS certificate were to be granted it could not be used. On 6 April, in consultation
with other departments, we suspended ATAS. This suspension will remain in place until
such time as we are able to properly assess applications. ATAS assessments require
access to sensitive information and we placed the duty of care to assessment staff
above maintaining a system which was not required while no visas are being issued.
We have created processes for students already in the UK who need to extend their
stay in the UK. These can be accessed through the Home Office Covid helpline or directly
to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office through the university.</p>
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