KEY POINTS
- Move aimed at boosting competitiveness post-Brexit
- Potential waiver for scientists, tech experts and top professionals
- Policy under review to strengthen UK’s innovation drive
- Business groups and universities welcome possible step
LONDON: The British government is mulling over a proposal to abolish visa fees for top-tier global talent in a bid to make the United Kingdom more competitive in attracting skilled professionals, according to The Financial Times.
The plan, which is under active consideration by the Home Office, could see fees waived for scientists, technology experts and leading professionals across other high-demand sectors.
According to the report published on Monday, officials view the move as part of efforts to “supercharge innovation” and ensure the UK remains a magnet for the world’s best talent in the post-Brexit environment.
Currently, visa fees for highly skilled applicants can exceed £1,500, a figure which business groups and universities argue deters top international candidates from choosing Britain. The officials are studying ways to offset the potential revenue shortfall through broader economic gains generated by talent-driven growth, the FT report added.
The proposal has already drawn support from higher education institutions and industry leaders. The BBC cited Universities UK as saying that reducing costs for applicants “would remove unnecessary barriers for world-class researchers and academics at a time when the UK needs them most.”
Similarly, the Confederation of British Industry told Sky News that cutting visa fees could “send a strong signal that Britain is open for business and innovation.”
Analysts point out that the UK currently charges higher visa fees than several competing destinations. In the United States, employment-based visas typically cost between $700 and $1,200. Likewise, Canada’s skilled worker application fee amounts to approximately C$1,365 (£790).
In many EU states, work visas range from €100 to €350, far below Britain’s current rates. Experts told the Financial Times that this disparity has often pushed global talent to look elsewhere despite the UK’s strong academic and technology sectors.
While discussions are ongoing, government sources told the Financial Times that no final decision has been made and the policy remains at a review stage. Analysts noted that if approved, the reform would mark one of the most significant overhauls in Britain’s skilled migration framework since the introduction of the Global Talent visa in 2020.
