UK will fast track visas for top scientists post-Brexit

Aims to attract ‘brightest and best global talent’

THE UK Government has announced that top scientists will be allowed to apply for fast-track visas under new immigration rules post-Brexit.

The scheme is designed to attract elite STEM researchers and is due to launch later this year. Options that will be discussed include expanding the pool of research institutions that can endorse candidates; creating criteria that confer automatic endorsements; ensuring dependants have access to the labour market; removing the need for an employment offer before relocating; and accelerating the path to settlement.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “We want Britain to be the most prosperous economy in Europe with an immigration system that attracts the brightest and best global talent. Our new fast-track visa route will be a key part of this – encouraging the world’s top scientists and researchers to our shores. These gifted minds will bolster the UK’s standing as a hub for science and innovation as we look to introduce a points-based immigration system centred on what people will contribute”.

The Government has also said that it will provide additional funding for researchers who have open applications for EU funding that may not be evaluated by the EU after Brexit. It said that any applications to Horizon 2020, the European Research Council, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and SME instrument programmes, will be automatically reviewed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the national funding agency.