Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 145
145
A UK immigration policy raised—and praised—by many witnesses to this inquiry was the Post-study work...
Conclusion
A UK immigration policy raised—and praised—by many witnesses to this inquiry was the Post-study work visa (detailed further in paragraph 78).338 Witnesses were also complimentary of the UK’s Global Talent visa, and its ability to facilitate inward mobility of world-leading research talent. Wellcome have said the Global Talent visa “is an excellent first step towards ensuring that administrative barriers facing researchers coming to the UK are as low as possible”.339 They have however criticized its cost, noting that “the UK is one of the most expensive countries in the world for immigration charges”.340 Both Minister Lochhead341 and Wellcome have highlighted that there is: [ … ] an upfront cost of more than £13,000 for a family of four on a five- year Global Talent visa. In contrast, the French Talent visa is approximately £1,000 for the same family.342
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
UK visa fees are broadly in line with our competitors across a range of visa types. Visa products are, however, difficult to compare because visa offers including benefits and entitlements gained and duration of stay, vary significantly between countries. As a matter of course, we continue to keep visa fees under review. Income from visa fees helps to fund the migration and borders system and reduces the burden on UK taxpayers. There is little