The UK government has expanded its Global Talent visa scheme to allow more than 100 research-intensive businesses to recruit leading scientists and engineers from around the world, in a move aimed at supporting innovation, research and economic growth.
Announcing the expansion on Thursday, the government on its website said the scheme would, for the first time, enable exceptional researchers working on funded projects to be supported by eligible commercial research businesses, alongside universities, academic institutions and independent research bodies.
Companies joining the scheme include AstraZeneca, Jaguar Land Rover, Added Value Solutions (AVS), Denroy Plastics and Ffilm Cymru.
The government said the Global Talent visa has already helped more than 12,500 people from over 130 countries build research careers in Britain through the endorsed funder pathway.
It added that the expansion would enable more international researchers to work in sectors including clean energy, life sciences, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and the creative industries.
