TOKYO, May 27 — The Japanese government has urged domestic universities to consider temporarily accepting students affected by the United States' (US) move to bar foreign students from Harvard University.
Kyodo News Agency reported that the call came in response to concerns over Japanese and other international students studying in the US, following recent developments under President Donald Trump's administration.
Education Minister Toshiko Abe stressed the importance of safeguarding students’ futures.
“We would like to work with related institutions and make utmost efforts to guarantee education for young people with ambition and talent,” she said during a press conference.
Yesterday, the University of Tokyo said it is considering accepting affected international students from Harvard.
The Education Ministry said that the Japan Student Services Organisation will soon release information on each university’s stance on such support.
Last Thursday, the US administration moved to revoke Harvard’s certification for the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme.
The move would prevent Harvard from enrolling foreign students and force current students to transfer or risk losing their legal visa status.
However, a US federal district court has issued a temporary injunction, allowing international students to remain enrolled while the decision's legality is under review.
According to Japan’s Education Ministry, Harvard currently has 110 Japanese students and 150 researchers.
It will also launch a consultation service on the Japan Student Services Organisation’s website for students studying in the US.
— Bernama
