UK Government's Initiative to Attract Global Talent
The UK government is considering measures to enhance its global talent attraction drive, potentially including a visa fee waiver to support the relocation of top science and tech talent.
Global Talent Taskforce
- The taskforce is supported by a 54-million-pound Global Talent Fund launched earlier this year.
- This initiative aims to attract international experts, including Indians, amid the US's clampdown on H-1B visas.
- It reports directly to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, operating out of 10 Downing Street and the UK Treasury.
A government official mentioned the possibility of reducing visa costs to zero for individuals associated with the world's top universities or prestigious awards.
Global Competition and Strategic Goals
- The UK seeks to counter the US's new 100,000-dollar application fee for H-1B visas, which affects many Indian professionals.
- The Global Talent Visa system in the UK is currently viewed as bureaucratic, prompting this new focus.
The taskforce is led by Varun Chandra, the UK's business adviser, and Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance.
Objectives of the Global Talent Fund
- To attract world-class researchers and teams to the UK, covering relocation and research costs over five years.
- The fund emphasizes the UK's commitment to maintaining leadership in growth-driving sectors.
- Focus areas include researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, high-calibre managerial and engineering talent, and creatives.
UK Immigration Strategy
- The strategy aligns with the UK's Immigration White Paper, aiming to fast-track top talent into key industries while managing overall migration figures.
Reform UK's Position on Immigration
- The party pledged to abolish the route to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) if elected.
- Plans to replace the existing ILR route with a five-year renewable work visa with higher salary thresholds.
- Reform UK claims a significant portion of ILR applicants are non-working, blaming former PM Boris Johnson for increased legal migrant numbers.
Downing Street criticized Reform UK's proposals as unrealistic and divisive.
