Letter from SOAS Director Paul Webley

Dear colleagues

Now that we have reached an agreement with students about a way

forward in the wake of the UK Border Control visit on 12 June, it’s

important to recap and reflect on the progress we have made.

Firstly, I would like to thank all those who sent messages of support

during and after the protest. Thankfully many colleagues are aware

that the allegations being made against SOAS are untrue, most notably

that we had invited immigration officials on to our campus. This is

something that has caused a great deal of concern and anxiety to our

staff, students, stakeholders and peers.

Throughout this entire process SOAS has acted in good faith and in

accordance with the law. SOAS is obliged to co-operate with the

authorities and not breach any law that could lead to prosecution.

Following yesterday’s agreement, I have written to the Home Secretary

requesting that he grants exceptional leave to remain in the UK to

those cleaners who are still being detained. I have also asked for the

immediate return of those who have been deported and exceptional leave

to remain for those forced into hiding following Friday’s events.

I have agreed to open discussions with ISS, and separately with

UNISON, UCU and the SU, to review in detail the events of last Friday

and will discuss the possibility of bringing cleaning services

in-house at the next scheduled meeting of Governing Body. In addition

to this, colleagues will meet with the relevant unions to discuss

health and safety issues relating to immigration visits.

I plan to share my views with other university heads about the wider

implications of the Government's policy on immigration and any likely

impact it may have on our staff and students.

As Director and Principal of SOAS I will continue to work tirelessly

to ensure the success of this institution, and encourage a respectful

exchange of views in an open and constructive manner. In the light of

this week’s protest, we need to reflect and remind ourselves what it

means to be a university, in particular, an institution that prides

itself on being the home of international political debate in the UK.

The events of the past few days have done nothing more than reaffirm

my passion and commitment to this outstanding institution.

I am pleased that we reached an agreement with the protesters and I’m

grateful to the Students’ Union Co-President Nizam Uddin for

facilitating discussions with the group in such an exemplary fashion.

Professor Paul Webley

Director & Principal