The British government has announced it will launch a “global talent visa” on February 20 to encourage scientists, researchers and mathematicians to come to the UK, with no limit on how many people can be accepted. Prime Minister Boris Johnson added that he was making a £300m package available for research into advanced mathematics. It will double funding for new PhDs and boost the number of maths fellowships and research projects.
As Brexit day, January 31 inches closer, BoJo said, “As we leave the EU I want to send a message that the UK is open to the most talented minds in the world, and stand ready to support them to turn their ideas into reality.”
The fast-track visa comes as a replacement of the old tier-one “exceptional talent” visa route that allowed applicants to be endorsed by the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, the British Academy, Tech Nation or Arts Council England. Applications were previously capped at 2,000 per year, however, the limit was never reached. Under the new scheme, the UK Research and Innovation funding agency will also be able to recommend applicants.
It has been mentioned that applicants will not need a job offer before arriving in the UK under the visa and it will provide an accelerated path to settlement for all scientists and researchers who are endorsed.
