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Some of the Gazan PhD and master’s students who have been offered scholarships to study in the UK will now be able to bring their families with them, following a government U-turn The Home Office, which is facilitating the scheme, has now confirmed it will support the evacuation of dependants “on a case-by-case basis”. The change in policy occurred after some of the students said they were unable to take up their university positions if it meant leaving their families behind. Manar al-Houbi, who has been offered a place to complete her PhD at the University of Glasgow, previously told BBC News it was "impossible" for her to leave her three young children and husband in Gaza. Reacting to the news of the policy change, she said she was "deeply relieved", adding: “I am very grateful to the UK government for making this wise and fair decision.” At least 75 Gazan students have arrived in the UK since the government began supporting evacuations for those with fully-funded scholarships last month. Students who wish to bring dependents will have to demonstrate that they meet certain requirements, including proving they can cover living costs. Family members wishing to come to the UK will have to apply for student dependant visas, and show evidence they have sufficient funds – up to £7,605 for those studying in London or £6,120 for those studying in other parts of the country. Confirming that some students would now be able to bring dependents, a government spokesperson said: "Students coming from Gaza to the UK have suffered an appalling ordeal after two years of conflict. They have endured unimaginable hardship but can now begin to rebuild their lives through studying in our world-class universities,” "That is why we are supporting the evacuation of dependants of students on scholarships who are eligible to study here under the immigration rules on a case-by-case basis."
