INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
UKRI Science, Research and Academia scheme has been added to the Tier 5 visa routeLondon: The UK has launched new visas that will be open to
overseas scientists and researchers, including Indians, to encourage the growth of the country's research sector
The new UKRI Science, Research and Academia scheme, which is being added to the already existing Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Government
Authorised Exchange) visa route, opened from July 6 for researchers, scientists and academics from outside the European Union (EU) to come
to the UK for up to two years."The UK is a world leader in research and innovation and these changes will make it easier for international
researchers to work and train in the UK," said UK immigration minister Caroline Nokes in a statement announcing the launch."We must have an
immigration system that makes sure we can attract leading international talent and benefit from their knowledge and expertise
I recognise the crucial contribution science makes to the UK economy and society and I am determined that the UK will continue to welcome
leading scientific and research talent from around the world," she said.The scheme will be operated by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI),
which brings together the country's seven research councils, Innovate UK and Research England
It will mean that UKRI, along with 12 approved research organisations such as the Natural History Museum, will now be able to directly
sponsor highly skilled individuals, such as specialist technicians, to work and train in the UK.The sponsor organisations will be monitored
by UKRI as the scheme owner and they will also require individual Tier 5 sponsor licences
"Research and innovation is inherently international, as are the unprecedented 21st century challenges we must address," said UKRI chief
executive Professor Mark Walport."Global collaboration through the movement of talented people plays an essential role in meeting these
challenges and this new scheme will provide further support for international researchers to work and train in the UK," Walport said.The
Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) is the principal visa route by which professionals from outside the European Economic Area who
wish to undertake training and work experience are able to come to the UK.The route allows individuals entering the UK through this scheme
to stay for up to two years
The UK's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will monitor the activity of the scheme on a regular basis with
UKRI, to provide assurance that it is meeting the criteria for a Tier 5 scheme, the Home Office said.The UK government said the new scheme
demonstrates its commitment to make the UK a "dynamic, open, globally-trading" nation
Some of the other reforms to the country's visa system in recent months have included removing doctors and nurses from the Tier 2 visa cap,
allowing more Indian doctors among others to address staff shortages in the state-funded National Health Service (NHS).A new Start-up visa
route is set to replace the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) route and widen the pool of candidates who can apply to launch a new business in
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