The UK government aims to announce reforms to the UK immigration system to attract international talent and promote post-COVID and post-Brexit economic growth. The reforms include a new route for high-skilled foreign workers to pursue jobs in the UK and streamlining the employer sponsorship process to reduce red tape and make it easier for businesses to recruit foreign talent.

High-skilled workers include scientists, engineers, researchers, and tech sector workers who can help maintain Britain’s international competitiveness as an immigration destination for top talent from across the world. The main feature of these reforms will be a new UK points-based immigration route that will allow startup ventures and fast-growing firms in the UK (like fintech) to recruit the foreign talent required for growth and innovation. Around 42% of the total 76,500 fintech workers in the UK are immigrants, as per an independent report.

Through this pathway, highly skilled workers who have a job offer from recognized fast-growing UK firms can qualify for a visa without third-party endorsement or sponsorship. More details for the points-based pathway may release by July. As part of the reforms, recipients of international awards (including the Nobel Prize) will automatically qualify for the UK Global Talent Visa.

The reforms will also make it easier to endorse and apply for the UK Innovator Visa, allowing foreign entrepreneurs with the required skills and experience to establish and run an innovative business in the country. These reforms will be implemented over the next year. The government has pledged to support companies that need foreign workers’ skills so that the UK remains a leader in innovation and science.

The reforms will attract top international talent to power UK firms, boost economic growth, and aid post-COVID recovery. To find out more about the point-based system for skilled workers, the Global Talent Visa, the Innovator Visa, and other UK immigration pathways, contact our seasoned consultants at 8595338595.