Figures from the UK tech industry have urged the Home Office to “decisively” embrace immigration in the wake of anti-migrant policy from the US.
In an open letter to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, tech advocacy group Startup Coalition said moves from the US against encouraging skilled migration made it more important than ever that the UK continues to support immigration and eases access to the UK for those wanting to support its advanced industries.
The US government recently announced it would be radically increasing the cost of the H-1B visa to $100,000 in a clear move against immigration to the country.
Described by Startup Coalition as the “lifeblood of Silicon Valley’s talent pipeline”, the visa is currently responsible for over 700,000 workers in the US.
“We are talking about a talent pool that has driven decades of American innovation,” the letter said.
“These individuals are now actively exploring alternatives, and the UK must position itself as the destination of choice.”
Startup Coalition said this is “not a moment for quiet diplomacy or understated British reserve”, but rather a “moment for bold, decisive action”.
The group has therefore called for an expansion of the Global Talent Fund, expedited visa processing for H1-B holders and applicants considering a move to the UK and updates to the EMI tax scheme which supports businesses in recruiting and retaining key employees.
Citing data from the Entrepreneurs Network, the letter noted that already 39% of the UK’s fastest-growing companies have foreign-born founders, including some of the tech industry’s most prominent firms including Wayve and Synthesia.
Synthesia’s co-founder and chief executive Victor Riparbelli echoed the letter’s message and encouraged internationals to consider his company, pointing out that “roughly 80% of our staff in our London HQ are immigrants”.
It was reported on Monday that there are conversations in Whitehall considering removing the financial burden of the UK’s global talent visa entirely.
