Boris Johnson rips up visa rules to make it easier for foreign scientists to live and work in the UK
BORIS Johnson is tearing up immigration rules to make it easier for the world’s best scientists to live and work in Britain.
Boffins will be given a fast-track visa even if they don’t have a job offer.
Ministers will also abolish the cap on the number of visas dished out to scientists.
They will let more universities sponsor them to come over, and allow their spouses to work in Britain too.
Mr Johnson revealed the plan on Facebook Live yesterday — becoming the first PM to announce policy on a streaming platform.
He said: “I want the UK to continue to be a global science superpower.” He added the move would ensure a post-Brexit UK carries on developing and exporting innovation. The PM, left, also visited a fusion research centre in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, yesterday.
Aides said the immigration plan delivers on the PM’s pledge to open our doors to top talent while cracking down on low-skilled migrants.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “We want Britain to be the most prosperous economy in Europe with an immigration system that attracts the brightest and best global talent.
“These gifted minds will bolster the UK’s standing as a hub for science and innovation as we look to introduce a points-based system.”
Dr Adam Marshall, of the British Chambers of Commerce, said it was a positive signal “as business needs the new government to demonstrate its openness to the world”.
He added: “It should be followed, swiftly, with further concrete policies to ensure our future immigration system works at every level.”
SUN SAYS: BRIGHT FUTURE
WELL, that’s one in the eye for the Remainers who think Brexit is all about pulling up the drawbridge.
Boris’s announcement that — once we’ve left — the UK will welcome the best and brightest science minds from around the world is a real commitment to a truly Global Britain.
It marks an end to the absurd state of affairs in which we had an open door to anybody born in the EU, regardless of their talents, and were effectively forced to slam another door in the face of those who have shown themselves to be leaders in their fields.
There are still those who think that the vote to leave the EU was an anti-immigrant vote. It wasn’t. It was a vote to take back control.
And as we look towards our departure, this Government must deliver an open immigration system that welcomes those who will contribute to the economy and life of our great country.
With a say on who comes in — and who doesn’t — we’ll be able to ensure our public services are ready for a population increase and that the supply of houses goes up as quickly as it needs to.
Don’t believe the doomsayers. Once we’re free of Brussels’ grip this country can take its place back at the very top of the world. A magnet for hard-working, talented people, who can take our already successful businesses to the next level.
It’s another clear reason why, no matter how messy our departure sometimes seems, and how long it is taking…
Britain is still better off out.
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