The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee warns that the U.K. risks missing economic growth opportunities by not reforming visa policies for U.S. scientists. In an open letter, they urge Prime Minister Keir Starmer to improve visa options in the upcoming immigration white paper. Currently, the U.K.'s global talent visa is among the costliest due to health system access fees, affecting universities and researchers. With U.S. research funding cuts prompting a talent exodus, timely action is critical to remain competitive against countries enhancing their research appeal.
An analysis published by the Royal Society in 2024 found that the U.K.'s global talent visa is the most expensive compared to other leading science nations, primarily due to health system charges.
Without changes to immigration policy for STEM talent, we will miss a real opportunity to drive economic growth in the U.K. and to build up our research base.
The issues around high up-front visa costs must be addressed by the forthcoming immigration white paper, or this scheme risks being ineffective.
The situation has become more urgent as cuts to science funding in the U.S. drive researchers away, while other countries are launching schemes to attract them.
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