Let more scientists into the UK, MPs demand

Britain risks losing its role as a world-leading centre for science and innovation if it does not make sure skilled workers can come to the country easily - Taxi

Britain needs to give foreign scientists and innovators quicker, easier and longer-term ways to migrate to avoid damaging the economy and stifling cutting edge industries, MPs have warned.

A shakeup of the visa system for much-needed skills is “essential for our future prosperity”, said Norman Lamb, chairman of the Science and Technology Committee.

Skilled workers should be able to come to the UK for six months without visas or permits, the MPs said, while five-year permits should be on offer to those with a job offer.

Foreign students should be allowed to stay in the UK to work by reinstating the old "post-study work" visa, so Britain does not lose out on the talent it has just trained up, the committee said.

Criteria for "exceptional talent" visas should be loosened because they are too strict and are putting off applicants.

Migration rises as non-EU workers make up for fall in EU arrivals

The cap on Tier 2 visa should be lifted and the cost of applying cut, the committee said.

This has already been lifted for nurses and doctors, and the MPs said they “question whether a cap on highly skilled labour is necessary at all”.

These new rules could be extended to non-EU migrants immediately, and then used as a basis for EU migration after Brexit, MPs suggested, which would mean the UK has one system for all migrants in this class.

It could also be seen as a clear and generous offer to the EU to help move the Brexit negotiations forward.

People still want net migration to drop

“Collaboration is crucial to the UK maintaining its position as a science superpower, and it is essential that the UK has an immigration system that facilitates the mobility of the science and innovation community,” said Mr Lamb.

“Nobody wants to see damage to our economy as a result of restricting the ability of skilled workers to come to this country.

“If the UK wishes to remain open and attractive to the brightest and best global talent following Brexit, it requires an immigration system that allows researchers, technicians, students and innovative entrepreneurs to arrive and work in the UK without facing a burdensome and daunting process.”