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Britain will overhaul its visa system to attract top talent in AI and science, Reeves says

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Britain will overhaul its visa system to attract top talent in AI and science, Reeves says

Rachel Reeves has pledged a major overhaul of the UK immigration framework, including possible new visa routes for highly skilled workers in AI and life sciences, as part of a wider push to boost economic growth.

The Chancellor revealed that a white paper will be published later this year, announcing the Government’s vision that Britain should be open for business and open for talent.

Speaking at a breakfast event at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Reeves said: “We are going to look again at routes for the most highly skilled people, visas, especially in AI and life sciences. Britain is open for business, we are open for talent, we have some of the best universities, some of the best entrepreneurs in the world, but we also want to bring in global talent.”

While Labor has long emphasized the need to reduce overall migration, Reeves expressed a strong desire to reassure international companies and investors that Britain remains an attractive destination for skilled professionals. Ministers plan to engage with businesses on the best way to reform current visa pathways, including empowering British diplomats abroad to promote Britain as an attractive place to live and work.

Asked if she was as comfortable creating wealth as Tony Blair’s government once declared, Reeves replied emphatically: “Absolutely.” She and Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, spent the summit underlining the government’s “pro-growth” ethos, insisting that key infrastructure projects such as airport expansions should not be thwarted by entrenched local opposition.

Reeves was also pressed about the possible approval of Heathrow’s third runway. She avoided direct confirmation, but emphasized that the answer to major national projects “cannot always be no.” Her stance signals a willingness to support large-scale developments to boost growth, and reflects concerns that delays in major infrastructure have hampered the economy.

The chancellor confirmed that Marcus Bokkerink’s abrupt departure as chairman of the Competition and Markets Authority was linked to ministers’ call for regulators to support economic growth more proactively. Bokkerink will be succeeded by Doug Gurr, a former Amazon UK boss, after officials raised concerns the CMA’s approach had hampered growth opportunities in key sectors including technology and financial services.

“Growth is our most important mission,” Reeves explains. “We want our supervisors to be part of that mission… Him [Bokkerink] He realized it was time for him to move on and make way for someone who shares the mission and strategic direction this administration is pursuing.”

Commenting on the proposed visa review, Karendeep Kaur, legal director at immigration law firm Migrate UK, welcomed the prospect of easier routes for businesses that rely on specialist skills. However, she warned that many companies remain wary of complex sponsorship licensing requirements and escalating visa-related costs.

“For this to be successful, companies will need assurance that acquiring specialist talent will outweigh the demands placed on them as sponsor licensees,” Kaur said. “Since December 31, 2024, UKVI has announced that companies will face immediate license revocation if they are found to ‘reclaim’ certain sponsorship fees. … The increased pressure to comply may deter companies from applying for a sponsorship license.”

Kaur also highlighted upcoming visa fee increases, including a proposal to increase the sponsorship certificate fee from £239 to £525. Combined with licensing fees for sponsors, skills fees and immigration surcharges for healthcare – especially for family members – the costs for employers could and employees can easily reach tens of thousands of pounds.

“As attractive as it may be to work and live in Britain,” she added, “there is still demand for the government to reduce overall migration. That puts them in a precarious position as to how smooth these routes can be.”

Despite these concerns, the Treasury is keen to highlight Britain’s strong position in world-class universities, thriving entrepreneurship and a ‘pro-growth’ agenda, hoping that a renewed visa strategy will help meet post-pandemic challenges and strengthen the country’s position as a global innovation. center.


Jamie Young

Jamie is a Senior Reporter at Business Matters and brings over ten years of experience in UK SME business reporting. Jamie has a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops. When Jamie isn’t reporting on the latest business developments, he is passionate about mentoring emerging journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

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