UK considers plan to scrap visa fees for top global talent, FT reports

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is exploring proposals to abolish some visa fees for top global talent at a time when the U.S. has taken a tougher stance on immigration, the Financial Times reported on Monday.

Britain's 'global talent task force', announced in June, is working on ideas to attract the world's best scientists, academics and digital experts to the UK in a bid to drive economic growth. 

The idea of cutting visa costs to zero is for people who have attended the world's top five universities or have won prestigious prizes, the FT reported.

The UK government has committed £54 million ($72.66 million) to attract top science and tech talent.

This funding will help cover relocation and research costs for leading researchers, with the aim of positioning the UK as a global leader in innovation, according to the government website.

It's also intended to strengthen the country’s leadership in key sectors and bolster the UK’s competitiveness in attracting high-calibre talent, especially as the U.S. increases its visa fees.

According to the FT report, the reforms were being discussed in Number 10 and the Treasury before the Trump administration announced its decision to impose a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas, which are widely used by U.S. tech companies, from Sunday.

After that U.S. decision, things moved on at a faster pace in the UK with those pushing for changes to Britain's high-end visa system, a person involved in the discussions told the newspaper. 

The decision is aimed at spurring growth ahead of the 26 November Budget, 

Britain's global talent visa application costs £766 ($1,030), with partners and children paying the same fee.

The Treasury department and Downing Street did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

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