February 29, 2012

expert reaction to settlement exemption for scientists

A change to UK immigration regulations means that migrants in PhD-level positions are exempted from new restrictions on settlement.

Imran Khan, Director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering, said:

“We’re really pleased the Government has taken on board our concerns and exempted migrants in PhD-level positions from the new restrictions on settlement. These individuals form a critical part of the UK’s word-leading science base, and it’s vital for the UK’s economy that we can continue to attract the world’s best talent to come here. The Home Office’s willingness to engage on this issue bodes well for the UK’s global, high-tech future.

“British companies, universities, and research institutes are in a global competition to attract the world’s top talent, so it’s vital that they have the support of Government. After a rocky start, the Government has now made a series of positive changes. There are still enormous challenges – for instance, new student visa restrictions could undermine the success of our Higher Education Industry, and it’s important the Government changes its definition of ‘migrants’ to exclude student visitors. But we’re hopeful that the sector, working with Government, can find a solution.”

Dr Iain Cameron, Head of RCUK Research Careers and Diversity, said:

“Research Councils UK (UK) welcomes the announcement of changes, made today (29th February) by the Home Office, to the immigration rules, which will benefit UK research and their contribution to the economy.

“Changes that we specifically welcome include:
•,The exemption of those in specified PhD level occupations from the Tier 2 minimum settlement pay threshold of £35,000.
•,The retention of the 24 months leave for Government Authorised Exchanges (Tier 5) covering research, fellowships and training schemes in the fields of science and medicine.
•,The new route for permitted paid engagements under the visitor rules which will allow a limited group of professionals, including visiting lecturers and examiners, to come to the UK
•,The early introduction of these changes from April 2012

“RCUK provided input to the Home Office consultation and worked with other sector organisations including Universities UK, the Royal Society and the Wellcome Trust to highlight concerns about the original proposals. We will continue to raise concerns about other areas, not included in the announcement, which have the potential to detrimentally impact on UK research.”