Language schools ‘pose terror threat’

EDUCATION and language courses aimed at foreign students are being abused by illegal migrants, including for possible terrorist reasons, according to a major new study.

The report, carried out by the independent research body International Organisation for Migration, said Ireland needed to bring in tighter controls, particularly in light of the September 11 atrocities.

“Students may illegally remain in the country on completion of their course, or use the student programme to gain access to the country and then disappear.” said the report. It said study and research programmes could be “abused by irregular migrants, including for possible terrorist purposes”.