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The UK government plans to cut or remove visa fees for top scientists, researchers, and technology leaders. Officials say the plan will make Britain a leading destination for global talent and help grow the economy as competition for skilled workers increases. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s “global talent task force,” led by business adviser Varun Chandra and science minister Lord Patrick Vallance, is creating the plan. The team is looking at proposals to scrap the £766 visa application fee and reduce the annual £1,035 health surcharge. The UK government lowers visa costs to draw skilled workers The UK government wants to make it easier for skilled individuals worldwide to move to Britain for work. Leaders are talking about removing visa fees for people who studied at the best universities globally or have won important international awards in science, technology, and research. They want to show that Britain is open for talent and can compete with other countries to attract innovators who will help grow the economy. The current global talent visa system is very expensive for applicants because they must pay £766 for themselves, their partners, and each of their children. They also have to add an extra health surcharge of £1,035 annually, which makes the visa process stressful for potential talent. Some government officials have even called it a “bureaucratic nightmare” because the high costs force many skilled workers to move to other, cheaper countries. The idea of removing visa fees became stronger after the U.S. decided to raise the cost of the H-1B visa to as much as $100,000. This makes it difficult for skilled workers to move to America, and British officials saw the decision as an opportunity to do the exact opposite and look much more welcoming.  Chancellor Rachel Reeves said bringing in global talent will…

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Filed under: News - @ September 22, 2025 10:30 am