Boris Johnson reveals immigration overhaul to attract ‘brightest and best’ after Brexit
Boris Johnson has announced immigration shakeup that would see the cap on the number exceptional talent visas scrapped to attract the “brightest and best” to the UK.
The Prime Minister said a new fast-track visa route would allow Britain to attract world-class specialists in science, technology and engineering after it leaves the European Union.
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The new system will abolish the cap on numbers of the Tier one exceptional talent visas, as well as remove the need for immigrants to have secured a job offer before arriving to the UK.
It would also create criteria that would grant automatic endorsement to candidates, subject to immigration checks, and immigrants’ dependents would also have full access to the Labour market.
Johnson said: “I want the UK to continue to be a global science superpower, and when we leave the EU we will support science and research and ensure that, far from losing out, the scientific community has a huge opportunity to develop and export our innovation around the world.”
Andrea Leadsom, the business secretary, said: “We are at the forefront of international collaborations tackling some of humanity’s greatest challenges, from climate change to critical health and societal issues.
“And as we prepare to leave the EU on 31 October we will make sure we continue to attract the best talent, reflecting our commitment to making the UK a science powerhouse while creating jobs and growth across the whole country.”
Business reaction
Matthew Percival, head of employment at the CBI, said: “The government must send strong signals that the UK is open to talent from across the world, so loosening the tier one cap to support our world-leading science base is a good first step.
“The most important immigration priority for business is replacing free movement with a new system that builds public confidence and supports a strong economy. It’s essential that a new system also recognises the value of jobs paid less than £30,000 and the range of skills required across all areas of our economy.”
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Dr Adam Marshall of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “This is a positive signal on immigration, as business needs the new government to demonstrate its openness to the world.
“It should be followed, swiftly, with further concrete policies to ensure our future immigration system works at every level, and in every part of the UK. At a time when business communities are reporting critical recruitment difficulties, access to skills at all levels is still needed by businesses facing shortages in many areas.
“Clarity on the long-term immigration rules after the UK leaves the EU can’t come soon enough for business.”