LONDON – The UK has launched new visas that will be open to overseasscientists and researchers, including Pakistanis and Indians, to encouragethe growth of the country’s research sector.
The new UKRI Science, Research and Academia scheme, which is being added tothe already existing Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Government AuthorisedExchange) visa route, opened from Friday for researchers, scientists andacademics from outside the European Union (EU) to come to the UK for up totwo years.Play Video44s
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“The UK is a world leader in research and innovation and these changes willmake it easier for international researchers to work and train in the UK,”said UK immigration minister Caroline Nokes in a statement announcing thelaunch.ADVERTISEMENT
“We must have an immigration system that makes sure we can attract leadinginternational talent and benefit from their knowledge and expertise.
“I recognise the crucial contribution science makes to the UK economy andsociety and I am determined that the UK will continue to welcome leadingscientific and research talent from around the world,” she said.
The scheme will be operated by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), whichbrings together the country’s seven research councils, Innovate UK andResearch England.
It will mean that UKRI, along with 12 approved research organisations suchas the Natural History Museum, will now be able to directly sponsor highlyskilled individuals, such as specialist technicians, to work and train inthe UK.
The sponsor organisations will be monitored by UKRI as the scheme owner andthey will also require individual Tier 5 sponsor licences.