Unis Resist Borders Control (URBC) revealed that the mother of a student at the centre of social media campaign, #WeAreAllMuhammad, has sold off remaining possessions in order to help her son remain at university.
Muhammad Rauf Waris was subject to alleged mistreatment after being taken into custody for allegedly violating the terms of his student visa, something that he still vehemently denies.
He was arrested at his workplace last year for allegedly working more than 20 hours per week, as is permitted by his student visa.
His experience sparked national outrage and garnered large amounts of media coverage across the country.
The masters student, who came to Stirling to study Business Management and is from Pakistan, cannot work while his case is still under investigation by the Home Office and so is unable to sufficiently support himself.
His mother, who is widowed and survives off of a farm she has, has sold off her remaining possessions to contribute to a payment plan. The University of Stirling has asked for £1,800 to be paid off each month until September 2024.
URBC shared the update on X on April 10, 2024 as well as further plea for donations towards his fundraiser, which will be closed down on April 30.
Brig has followed the story and shared updates throughout the campaign, writing on March 5, 2024 that Muhammad had been withdrawn from his studies, despite pleas to the University of Stirling for a ‘tuition fee amnesty.’
Muhammad commented in an article from The National on February 25, 2024 saying: “The University of Stirling prides itself as a place of community. I am part of this community.
“Withdrawing me while I am so close to graduating would make me very depressed. I have endured through so many barriers.
“However, it has been thanks to my friends and supporters in Stirling and the Glasgow area who have helped me persevere during all these difficulties.
“All I ask is for the University of Stirling not to withdraw me and to please provide a tuition fee amnesty.“
The request for a tuition fee amnesty follows the controversial £68,000 pay rise given to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Stirling.
Gerry McCormac was previously earning £295,000. This 1.5% pay increase was awarded to all University of Stirling staff.
In previous statements regarding Muhammad’s case, the University has said: “The University cannot comment on the personal circumstances of individuals. However, we have been, and continue to be in, regular contact with Muhammad to offer support.”
In relation to McCormac’s pay rise, the University has said: “The Principal’s salary is set by the University’s Remuneration Committee, at a level that is appropriate to the size and scale of the job.
“For the previous eight years, beyond the national pay award, the Principal declined any increase determined by the Remuneration Committee.”
Featured Image Credit: University of Stirling / Muhammad Rauf Waris
4th year English and Journalism student with a passion for interesting stories and interesting people
