UK invites talented nationals, including Pinoys, to live in England

The United Kingdom is encouraging exceptionally talented nationals, including Filipinos, who excel in the fields of science, humanities, engineering and the arts to come and live in Britain.

UK’s new ‘Exceptional Talent’ immigration scheme will begin accepting applications on August 9 for up to 1,000 exceptionally talented migrants.

“Our new exceptional talent route will ensure that we continue to attract the brightest into the UK and keep the UK a global leader,” the British Embassy in Manila said, adding that it “will facilitate not only those who have already been recognized but also those with the potential to be recognized as leaders in their respective fields.”

This new policy comes at a time when the UK overhauls its immigration system to bring migration levels to the country lower, tackle abuses against illegal migrants and ensure that the system effectively meets the needs of the country.

Selection process will be overseen by world-renowned “competent bodies” that will advise the UK Border Agency to ensure that the applicants are the brightest and best in their field, the embassy said.

The Royal Society, a fellowship of the world’s most eminent scientists, will be able to nominate up to 300 candidates; Arts Council England, the national development agency for the arts, will also be able to nominate up to 300 places; The Royal Academy of Engineering, Britain’s national academy for engineering, will be given 300 slots for nomination; and The British Academy, the national academy for the humanities and social sciences are allotted 200 places.

Each UK institution may transfer additional places to those with more demand if this becomes necessary.

Migrants seeking entry under the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent category will not need to be sponsored by an employer but will need to be recommended by one of the competent bodies.

“The UK is a global leader in science, humanities and engineering and we are a cultural centre for the arts: we will continue to welcome those who have the most to offer and contribute to our society and economy,” UK Immigration Minister Damian Green said.

Those admitted under the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent category will initially be granted three years and four months leave. They will be able to extend their stay for a further two years and settlement may be available after five years’ residence in the UK. Michaela P. del Callar, Daily Tribune