UK announces plan to fast-track visas for scientists and experts

THE MEASURE HAS BEEN TAKEN IN ORDER TO ATTRACT EXPERTS AND PROFESSIONALS THAT UK NEEDS

LONDON: The Boris Johnson government on Monday announced the expansion of the list of Uk-based fellowships whose international holders such as scientists and experts will be extended a fast-track visa process, so that they can begin work as soon as possible

This is one of the measures the Johnson government is taking in the near year to attract professionals and experts needed in the country, as the UK prepares to leave the European Union on January 31

Home secretary Priti Patel said the number of eligible fellowwill ships which can offer accelerated endorsement for visas for scientists wanting to conduct research in the UK will double from 62 to over 120 from early next year

Individuals who receive the fellowships will only need to provide a letter from the relevant funding organisation, which will see them fast-tracked to the Home Office / UKVI visa application stage where immigration checks be carried out

“The UK is already a world leader in science We want to make sure the UK continues to be at the forefront of innovation,” Patel said

Organisations joining the expanded list include world renowned research fellowships such as Marie Sklodowska-curie Actions, Human Frontier Science, European Research Council and the European Molecular Biology Organization

The Home Office said it will be bringing forward plans to abolish the cap on the numbers under the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route and an accelerated path to settlement who arrive under this scheme