Starmer weighs scrapping visa fees for high-skilled foreigners to spur Britain's growth

London — Labour leader Keir Starmer is weighing a plan to scrap visa fees for top global science and business talent to help Britain compete for scarce skilled workers and spur economic growth. Downing Street and the Treasury are reportedly examining whether to cut the cost of coming to the UK for high-skilled researchers, academics and digital experts as part of a broader push to stimulate growth while maintaining a pledge to curb net migration.

The proposal targets a small, high-skilled cohort but could ignite controversy within policy circles as officials seek to keep net migration under control even as they seek to attract world-class talent. The plan comes amid a broader global context of competition for skilled workers, including developments in the United States that have intensified scrutiny of immigration pathways.

The move is being led by the government's global talent taskforce, co-chaired by Science, Research and Innovation Minister Lord Vallance. A senior official told the Financial Times that the idea is to cut costs for those who meet elite benchmarks — “the sort of people who have attended the world's top five universities or have won prestigious prizes” — potentially down to zero. "We're kicking around the idea of cutting costs to zero," the official said.

A Home Office spokesperson described the policy intent behind global talent routes, saying: "Our global talent routes attract and retain high-skilled talent, particularly in science, research and technology, to maintain the UK's status as a leading international hub for emerging talent and innovation." The government argues the reforms would not dilute the aim of reducing net migration but would help bring the brightest and best into Britain.

The debate unfolds as the United States under President Donald Trump moves to tighten immigration rules, including measures that would reshape temporary work visas such as the H-1B program. The administration has called for higher costs and greater scrutiny for visas, arguing it protects American workers but drawing criticism from tech firms and industry groups that rely on skilled international talent. Critics say such changes can depress wages and limit opportunities for qualified foreign workers, while supporters argue they prioritize United States workforce needs and national security.

Within the UK, immigration questions have also featured in domestic politics. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has proposed ending the right to apply for permanent residency after five years and reintroducing tighter visa checks, including higher salary thresholds and longer residence requirements. Farage's proposals would also tighten the rules around bringing spouses and children to the UK and remove access to certain benefits under the plan. The proposals reflect a broader debate about balancing economic needs with stricter controls on who can settle long term in Britain.

No final decision has been announced, but officials say the government is weighing how, or whether, to lower visa costs for high-skilled talent as part of a targeted strategy to grow the economy while pursuing lower net migration. The discussions underscore the tension in policy circles between attracting global expertise and delivering on immigration targets amid evolving political pressures and international competition.