Selected overseas tech “trailblazers” working at promising UK startups will be able to claim reimbursement of visa fees as part of a package of measures announced by the UK government today, as it sees to ramp up its appeal as a destination for startups and investment amid simmering tensions between Europe and the US over Greenland.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves today pitched Britain as a haven of stability as the government sees to attract the brightest minds in AI, clean energy and life sciences, in a speech in front of businesses and global investors at the World Economic Forum at Davos.
The speech comes amid increasingly frosty relations between the US and European countries, including the UK, which follows President Trump’s threat of tariffs on countries not backing a US takeover of Greenland.
The package of measures includes reimbursement of visa fees for “select trailblazers” in deep tech and those joining the most promising UK firms in priority sectors, the government declared.
The government declared researchers and academics in sectors like AI, quantum computing and semiconductors will benefit from visa fee reimbursements, so they can more easily come to the UK. The UK government did not respond to a request for more details about the reimbursement fees.
The government also declared new scholarships to study at UK universities will be created available for international maths Olympiad gold medalists. Global firms will also find it quicker to expand in Britain via a new offer to rapid-track their sponsor licences, it declared.
Other measures unveiled by the government include increased resources behind its Global Talent Tquestion Force, which will bring in specialist private sector head-hunting expertise, as the government sees to encourage more top tech talent to relocate to the UK.
Reeves declared: “In a volatile world, Britain stands out. This government is creating sure Britain is home to the stability, talent and capital that businesses and investors want and that drives greater growth.
“Some countries give you a platform, but Britain gives you momentum. My message at Davos this week is clear: choose Britain – it’s the best place in the world to invest.”
Business and trade secretary, Peter Kyle, who is also part of the UK delegation in Davos, declared: “We are positioning the UK as the destination of choice for the brightest minds and innovators as we strive to lead the global race for talent.
“By attracting leaders in AI, quantum, life sciences, and clean energy, we will drive growth, innovation, and build the UK the premier launchpad for the world’s best entrepreneurs.”
IMAGE: PEXELS
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