UK tech visa programme sees influx of global applicants
There has been a huge rise in the number of people looking to work in the UK’s technology sector, Tech Nation has revealed.
The organisation said that the Global Talent Visa, for which Tech Nation is the official endorsing body for digital technology, saw applications rise by 45 per cent over 2018 and 48 per cent last year.
Since November 2018, the Tech Nation Global Talent Visa has received 1,975 applications and endorsed 920 visas from over 50 countries worldwide. Tech Nation said that demand is expected to increase in 2021, once the scheme is opened up to applications from the EU after Brexit.
The Global Talent Visa is open to people from overseas who can prove they are a “leader or a potential leader” in academia or research, arts and culture, and digital technology, according to the UK government.
52 per cent of those endorsed with a visa last year for their talents in digital technology are now employed at tech firms in the UK, while 28 per cent are tech founders.
In 2020, the visa enabled 421 founders to set up business in the UK, up from 400 in 2019, Tech Nation said.
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“It’s no surprise the UK’s world-beating technology sector appeals to international talent,” said Caroline Dinenage, minister for digital and culture.
“Our dynamic companies reflect the UK’s long-standing reputation for innovation and are renowned on the global stage.
“We are open to the brightest and the best talent, and this visa scheme makes it easier for companies across the country to recruit the talent they need to grow.”
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“The UK is a global talent magnet for tech founders,” said Stephen Kelly, chair of Tech Nation.
“The UK provides rich opportunities for entrepreneurs to set up, flourish and scale a business. The Global Talent Visa is crucial to making this process easy and accessible.
“Tech Nation’s Visa Report shows that, despite the pandemic, international interest to work in the UK tech sector has never been higher.
“Attracting tomorrow’s tech leaders to the UK is crucial to the continued growth of the sector, the UK’s place in the world, and driving the nation through recovery to growth in the digital age.”
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