UK's new visa opens opportunities for Indian scientists, researchers
The UK has launched new visas that will be open to overseas scientists and researchers, to encourage the growth of UK's research sector. The new UKRI Science, Research, and Academia scheme, which is being added to the already existing Tier-5 (Temporary Worker Government Authorized Exchange) visa route, opened yesterday for researchers, scientists, and academics from outside the European Union. Here's more.
UK, a world leader in research and innovation: Immigration Minister
"The UK is a world leader in research and innovation and these changes will make it easier for international researchers to work and train in the UK," said British Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes in a statement announcing the launch.
UKRI, 12 others to sponsor academics from overseas in UK
The scheme will be operated by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which brings together the country's seven research councils, Innovate UK and Research England. It will mean that UKRI, along with 12 approved research organizations such as the Natural History Museum, will now be able to directly sponsor highly skilled individuals, such as specialist technicians, to work and train in the UK.
Tier 5 visa allows stay for up to 2 years
UKRI will be the scheme owner and they will also require individual Tier-5 sponsor licenses. The Tier-5 Government Authorized Exchange is the principal visa-route by which professionals from outside the European Economic Area who wish to undertake training and work-experience are able to come to the UK. The route allows individuals entering the UK through this scheme to stay for up to two years.
BEIS to monitor scheme's activity
The UK's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will monitor the activity of the scheme on a regular basis with UKRI, to provide assurance that it is meeting the criteria for a Tier 5 scheme, the Home Office said. The UK Government said the new scheme demonstrates its commitment to make the UK a "dynamic, open, globally-trading" nation.
Other reforms allowed overseas doctors to help in staff shortage
Some of the other reforms to the country's visa system in recent months have included removing doctors and nurses from the Tier 2 visa cap, allowing more Indian doctors among others to address staff shortages in the state-funded National Health Service.
