CaSE responds to Global Talent visa announcement

CaSE has responded to the government’s announcement of a global fast-track visa scheme, to be brought in at the end of next month.

Commenting, CaSE Executive Director Dr Sarah Main said:

“The Global Talent visa is a great move to attract talented scientists to the UK from Europe and worldwide, which is positive as science thrives on collaboration and new ideas. We look forward to seeing the details of the new ‘endorsed funder route’ of the visa when it launches next month. I am particularly pleased that this route will include all named team members working on eligible grants, something that CaSE has previously recommended.”

“We now need to make sure the scheme is fully used, which will require effective communication about the visa route to the science community in the UK and globally, to ensure that it makes its mark. Previous visa systems have lacked the profile to be fully utilised.”  

“We will continue to work with the Government as they develop further phases for the Global Talent Visa to ensure it meets the needs of the whole UK science and engineering community.”  

“The Government has also today announced that it will produce a Place Strategy for UK R&D later this year. CaSE has been using its UK-wide membership to build an evidence base for regional R&D investment over the last year and looks forward to working with the Government as they develop a Place Strategy.” 

Notes

• In September CaSE welcomed the announcement that international students will be allowed to remain in the UK for two years after graduating to look for a job under a new two-year post-study work visa. CaSE has long called for the reintroduction of an internationally competitive post-study work route for international students.
   
• Last year CaSE published its Five Point Plan, setting out five actions that the new Prime Minister can take in the first three months of his Premiership to harness the science and engineering potential of the UK.

1. Attract Global Talent: Extend post-study work visa to 2 years 
2. Set a long-term plan and a budget to reach 2.4% by 2027
3. Harness the power of government to deliver the benefits of innovation faster
4. Promote the UK overseas: Create a digital shop window for the UK innovation offer
5. Increase the pool of available talent: monitor diversity data

• CaSE’s calls on immigration policy also formed part of the recommendations from its new major report, ‘Building on Scientific Strength; The Next Decade of R&D Investment’, on how the Government can stimulate a rise in the UK’s research intensity and meet the goal of investing 2.4% of GDP in R&D by 2027.