Greta Thunberg Backs Student Facing UK Visa Revocation

Published: 05 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Greta Thunberg has publicly supported a university student in the UK whose visa sponsorship has been revoked, raising concerns about his safety if he is forced to return to his native Egypt. Usama Ghanem, a 21-year-old second-year student at King’s College London (KCL), has faced indefinite suspension, triggering a process that could lead the Home Office to cancel his student visa and issue a removal notice.

The case has drawn national and international attention, with prominent figures, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, expressing concern over KCL’s decision. The student, a pro-Palestine activist, says he fears persecution if deported, citing political oppression and threats of violent treatment in Egypt. He told reporters that KCL “should be well aware” of the risks, having detailed his experiences in his personal statement when applying to the university.

Ghanem has faced three disciplinary actions since June 2024, all linked to his activism on behalf of Palestine. KCL maintains that it does not discipline students for lawful protest, though critics argue that the university’s actions suggest otherwise.

Thunberg, who recently faced detention in Israel while taking part in an aid flotilla to Gaza, posted on Instagram: “This unjust decision follows pressure from Zionist lobby groups, to which King’s College shamefully surrendered, betraying its commitment to free speech and academic integrity.” She called the revocation of Ghanem’s sponsorship deeply troubling, especially because it appears tied solely to his advocacy for Palestine.

Jeremy Corbyn also voiced his concern, telling Roar News: “The idea that the university should withdraw sponsorship from somebody solely because they’re activating themselves on Palestine seems to me deeply disturbing.”

Leanne Mohamad, a British-Palestinian activist and former political candidate, criticised the university’s handling of the case, pointing out that Ghanem is the only student among 26 facing disciplinary action who has received three suspensions. “I think this sets a very dangerous precedent, not just for us as pro-Palestine voices, but especially for international students who dare to speak out,” she said.

Ghanem explained that his activism is inspired by his father, a professor jailed in Egypt for speaking out. “I feel strongly about using my voice,” he said. “If I don’t stand up for Palestine, Sudan, and Ukraine, it’s not just about me—it’s about the principles of human rights and justice.”

The situation escalated following a protest in February at an event titled “Israelis and Iranians in Dialogue,” featuring Iranian speaker Faezeh Alavi. Ghanem participated in the protest, which led to the event being cut short. Footage of the disruption circulated widely on social media and was shared by senior members of the Trump Administration, amplifying the controversy.

Following the protest, the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) wrote to King’s College president Shitij Kapur, urging the university to investigate the student demonstrators. The letter alleged that protesters chanted slogans such as “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which the CAA described as “antisemitic and genocidal.” The letter demanded consequences to show that such behaviour would not be tolerated.

In May, Ghanem received notification that he would be indefinitely suspended and that his visa sponsorship would be revoked. KCL has stated that it cannot comment on cases “subject to legal proceedings,” referring to the judicial review Ghanem launched in October.

A university spokesperson said: “Students are not subject to disciplinary action on the basis of lawful protest or affiliation, and it is untrue to suggest otherwise. As a university, we fully support and are committed to upholding the right of freedom of speech within the law, and we have and will continue to support the right to protest. However, the safety of our students and staff is our priority. Where behaviour breaches university regulations, we will investigate in line with our robust processes and procedures to ensure an inclusive and safe environment is maintained on campus.”

The case has reignited debate about the balance between student activism, academic freedom, and campus safety. Legal experts warn that revoking visa sponsorship in such cases could deter international students from engaging in political activism, particularly on sensitive issues like Palestine, where their home countries may pose real risks if they return.

Human rights advocates argue that universities have a responsibility to protect students from harm, particularly those from authoritarian regimes. Ghanem’s situation has become emblematic of the wider challenges facing international students who participate in political protest in the UK.

Thunberg’s intervention has added significant weight to calls for KCL to reconsider its decision. The climate activist noted the parallels between her own experiences campaigning for urgent social causes and Ghanem’s struggle, highlighting the importance of defending free speech and academic freedom.

Corbyn emphasised the broader implications, warning that universities risk creating a chilling effect on activism. “If international students feel unsafe expressing their views, not only on Palestine but on other important global issues, universities are failing in their duty to uphold the principles of higher education,” he said.

Mohamad echoed this sentiment, noting that the treatment of Ghanem could discourage other students from exercising their right to lawful protest. “This is about much more than one individual,” she said. “It’s about whether students can safely speak out without fear of disproportionate repercussions.”

Legal scholars have highlighted that visa sponsorship revocation carries serious consequences, including potential deportation and disruption of education, and must be approached with extreme caution. Failure to account for personal safety risks in such cases could expose institutions and authorities to legal challenge.

KCL’s statement reiterates its position that disciplinary processes are intended to ensure safety and inclusivity, not to punish political views. However, critics argue that the cumulative effect of three suspensions and visa revocation signals that the university has failed to separate lawful activism from conduct that genuinely threatens campus order.

Ghanem’s judicial review seeks to challenge both the suspension and the visa revocation, aiming to secure his right to continue studying in the UK. The outcome of this review could set a precedent for other students facing similar situations and may influence university policies nationwide regarding activism and visa sponsorship.

As the story unfolds, the case continues to attract public attention. Students, activists, and academics are closely watching whether universities in the UK will uphold the principles of free speech while balancing concerns for campus safety and compliance with national immigration laws.

The situation underscores ongoing tensions between universities’ responsibilities to maintain safe learning environments and their obligations to protect students’ fundamental rights, particularly those from politically sensitive regions. It also raises questions about the influence of external lobbying groups on academic institutions and the potential implications for independent student activism.

For now, Ghanem remains in the UK, facing an uncertain future as legal proceedings continue. The support of high-profile figures such as Thunberg and Corbyn has brought international attention to his plight, shining a spotlight on the responsibilities of universities, the rights of international students, and the intersection of activism and immigration law.