The plan to reduce visa fees to zero is for those who have studied at the world’s top 5 universities, says an official
The British development came after the Trump administration imposed a $100,000 fee on the ‘H1B’ visa
Dr. Akhtar Gulfam, Editor-in-Chief, Daily Dawn, Director, News Dawn TV
London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is currently considering proposals to scrap visa fees to bring the world’s top experts to the UK, a development that comes at a time when the US has taken a tough stance on immigration.
Keir Starmer’s Global Talent Task Force is working on ideas to attract the world’s best scientists, academics and digital experts to the UK to boost economic growth.
The report cites people familiar with the ongoing talks between 10 Downing Street and the Treasury.
An official told Dr Akhtar Gulfam by telephone that the plan to reduce visa fees to zero is for those who have studied at the world’s top five universities or who have won prestigious awards.
The report said the reforms were being discussed between the Prime Minister’s Residence (10 Downing Street) and the Treasury after the Trump administration decided to impose a $100,000 fee on new ‘H1B’ visa applications, which are widely used by US technology companies, from Sunday.
A person involved in the British talks said the US decision had further emboldened those who want changes to the UK’s high-end visa system to boost growth ahead of the November 26 budget.
The cost of applying for a UK Global Talent Visa is £766 (US$1,030), with spouses and children paying the same fee.
The UK Treasury and 10 Downing Street did not immediately respond to a telephone request for comment from ‘Dr Akhtar Gulfam’, who asked to submit his question in writing.
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