Great Britain: unlimited visas for top scientists after Brexit

On 27 January, the UK’s Conservative-led government announced that after Brexit, the world’s top scientists, researchers, and mathematicians will be given fast-tracked entry to the country thanks to a fast, tailored, and bespoke procedure, called Global Talent. The new system will not require those entering to have minimum salary levels nor employment contracts. Global Talent will open on 20 February 2020 and instead of via the immigration services this new entry route will be managed by the UK Research and Innovation Agency (UKRI), a non-governmental organization that manages research funding. Successful holders of the Global Talent visa will also be able to secure faster settled status (residency). PM Boris Johnson stated, “That is why 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.” Welcomed by the science community that was fearful of a post-Brexit brain drain the announcement has nonetheless been met with criticism by some who worry about younger research brains being excluded. As regards other migrants, the government intends to establish a points system by January 2021 that is similar to the one used in Australia. In this case migrants will have to hold an employment contract guaranteeing an annual salary of at least £30,000 (€35,500). The income threshold has disgruntled employers’ bodies that have since written to the Interior Minister calling for it to be lowered.