Indian IT professionals are expected to benefit from the expansion of Britain’s ‘exceptional talent’ visas intended to attract talented individuals in the digital technology sector, as part of plans announced by Prime Minister David Cameron.
The visa expansion is part of Cameron’s initiative to establish a Tech City UK in east London. The expansion, announced in December, came into effect last Thursday. It will enable leading individuals in the digital economy to migrate to Britain to set up companies.
So far, the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa route was intended to attract talent in the areas of science, engineering, humanities, medicine and the arts. Applicants needed to be endorsed by apex organisations such as Arts Council England, British Academy, Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering.
The route now enables leading IT professionals to apply without having a sponsoring employer, with applications endorsed by Tech City UK, official sources said.
Immigration and security minister James Brokenshire said, “These changes today will ensure that the UK remains competitive in attracting global talent to work for British businesses, so that we can succeed in the global race.”
Gerard Grech, CEO of Tech City UK, said, “Digital technology companies across the UK are engines for growth; creating jobs and attracting investment. Essential to a digital entrepreneur or CEO as they grow their business is the ability to attract global tech talent.”
{{/usCountry}}Gerard Grech, CEO of Tech City UK, said, “Digital technology companies across the UK are engines for growth; creating jobs and attracting investment. Essential to a digital entrepreneur or CEO as they grow their business is the ability to attract global tech talent.”
{{/usCountry}}No information was available on how many visas would be granted annually in this category.