NUS Scotland calls for government intervention as thousands of students face hotel quarantine hike

The National Union of Students Scotland (@NUSScotland) has called for the Scottish Government to urgently intervene as hotel quarantine costs are set to soar to more than £200 a night for students returning to campus.

Thousands of Scottish students are expected to return from red list countries over the next month– including Brazil, Turkey and South Africa.

Until now, the cost of staying in a managed quarantine facility has stood at £1,750. But yesterday UK ministers agreed to hike prices by more than 30 per cent ahead of students returning to Scotland for the start of the academic term.

Matt Crilly, NUS Scotland President has now called for the Scottish Government to intervene and cover the charges for Scottish students to avoid unnecessary drop outs.

Commenting Mr Crilly said:

“The decision by the UK Government to hike hotel quarantine charges constitutes a shameful attack on international students, many of whom simply cannot afford a £2,285 premium to access their education.

“Students rightly feel let down and betrayed after already paying exorbitant fees, sky-high costs for accommodation in addition to visa costs, and healthcare charges.

“I am deeply concerned that this move will force many students to drop out of their studies. No student should be priced out of education as a result of quarantine charges.

“I ask the Scottish Government to urgently intervene to protect Scottish international students and scrap quarantine charges for those who are travelling for essential education purposes.”