United Kingdom is weighing plans to scrap visa fees for highly skilled foreign workers, including Nigerians, as part of a major push to attract global talent in science, technology, and research.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has tasked a “Global Talent Taskforce,” led by former chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, to review the country’s immigration system and make Britain a top destination for innovators and experts.
The review is considering removing the £766 application fee for the Global Talent Visa and the £1,035 annual health surcharge, which critics say make relocating to the UK prohibitively expensive for many professionals and their families.
Officials say the goal is to simplify and speed up visa processing, reducing the bureaucracy and delays that universities and major employers have long complained about.
The proposed reforms come as the United States raises barriers for foreign professionals, including a sharp increase in the cost of its H-1B skilled worker visa under President Donald Trump. UK ministers see an opportunity to attract skilled workers who might otherwise have chosen to settle in the US.
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Launched in 2020, the UK’s Global Talent visa is designed to bring in exceptional candidates in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, digital technology, and the arts. The number of visas issued rose 76% in a single year, reaching nearly 4,000 by June 2023.
For applicants, there are two routes: a direct application for those who have won prestigious international awards, or an endorsement route, which requires backing from a recognized body in research, culture, or technology. Applicants must also provide proof of nationality and, in some cases, tuberculosis test results.
Nigeria is among the countries with a rapidly growing pool of applicants seeking to work abroad, particularly in technology, healthcare, and academia. If fees are waived, the UK could become one of the most affordable and attractive destinations for Nigerian professionals looking to build global careers.
The UK has already expanded the list of licensed sponsors for foreign workers to more than 125,000 organizations, opening the door for greater recruitment across sectors.
The government is expected to publish detailed proposals later this year, with changes potentially taking effect before the end of this year, 2025 if approved.
