The United Kingdom is considering a new “invite-only” investor visa that could give wealthy foreigners, including Africa’s growing millionaire class, a fast-track route to British residency, even as immigration rules tighten for workers, students, and asylum seekers.
According to a Bloomberg report, the proposed scheme would grant up to three years of UK residency to individuals willing to invest at least £5 million ($6.7 million) into strategic sectors of the British economy, including artificial intelligence, clean energy, life sciences, and fast-growing technology firms.
The plan marks a major shift in Britain’s immigration strategy after the country scrapped its Tier 1 Investor Visa in 2022 over concerns tied to illicit financial flows, weak oversight, and the growing use of the route by politically exposed individuals.
Unlike the previous scheme, property investments would reportedly be excluded, while applicants would face enhanced due diligence checks aimed at reducing money-laundering risks.
A two-track immigration system?
