Tech City UK, the government body that processes applications for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa, has reported that the number of successful applications has more than quadrupled in the last 12 months. In the last fiscal year, 260 applications were endorsed. Despite this increase in succesful Tier 1 applications, the visa category is still extremely difficult to qualify for. You could instead apply for a Tier 2 (General) Visa to work for a Tier 2 Sponsorship License holding employer.
Immigration news
Photo by Ron Cogswell on Flickr
According to Stuart Anderson, a Forbes contributor, restricting access to US H1B and L1 visas results in increased outsourcing. Mr Anderson argues that the more ‘Congress and federal government agencies deny access to temporary visas, the more likely they are to pursue investments outside the United States.
Mr Anderson believes that foreign companies will utilise their own offices, their network of business affiliates and contracting out to other companies as a means of circumventing US immigration regulations. The Forbes contributor said: “This is common sense and it reflects reality: We live in a global economy.”
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) described the country’s existing work permit and visa system for non-EU doctors as ‘overly onerous and significantly costly’ during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April. The IMO said the system needs ‘drastic changes’ if Ireland wants to attract top medical talent.
Responding to a system that places non-EU doctors on rotation, forcing them to reapply for a new work permit or an Irish work visa in some cases, every three months, the IMO unanimously passed a motion to lobby the Health and Justice Department.
Top scientific research positions in Australia are being shunned by talented overseas scientists following a raft of changes to the country’s 457 visasystem. Australia’s medical sector claims that federal government changes to the much maligned visa scheme have caused ‘embarrassment’ to the country.
One of Australia’s leading medical researchers claims that at least six institutes have seen job offers declined by brilliant scientists abroad because of the recent visa overhaul. Tony Cunningham, president of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes, has expressed serious concern about the 457 visa changes.
Speaking to Times Higher Education, the vice-chancellor of Ulster University, Paddy Nixon, has said an ‘all-Ireland’ work visa should be introduced for students after they graduate. Mr Nixon also urged the Irish and UK governments to tackle the challenges facing universities in the post-Brexit era.
Nixon argues that an all-Ireland visa would be a ‘compelling offer for students.’ In his opinion it would create what he describes as an ‘exclusive arrangement’ between Northern Ireland and the Republic. It would enable foreign students, graduating from any university in Ireland, to access a visa permitting them to find employment and stay in the country.
Australian business leaders, along with a former chief of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), have launched a scathing attack on the Turnbull government over 457 visa changes. Business leaders and former WTO director, Pascal Lamy, have accused the federal government of ‘threatening the economy’ and branding foreigners as ‘barbarians.’