• UK plans to abolish visa fees for top global talent, including scientists and digital experts.
• This reform is in response to the US increasing H-1B visa fees to $100,000.
• The proposal is part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's "global talent task force."
• The current visa costs £766 ($1,030) per applicant, with additional fees for families.
• Experts predict changes could make the UK more attractive for global talent.

The UK government is considering plans to eliminate visa fees for top global talent, specifically targeting scientists, academics, and digital experts. Reports indicate that Prime Minister Keir Starmer's "global talent task force" is focused on attracting individuals who graduated from the world's top five universities or have received significant accolades, aiming to bolster economic growth. This initiative comes in the wake of the United States' recent decision to impose a hefty $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas, influencing the UK's visa reform discussions, according to Channel News Asia and India Times.

The proposed changes were reportedly being discussed within Number 10 and at the Treasury even before the recent US increase in H-1B visa fees. The goal is to make it easier for highly skilled professionals to relocate to the UK, which currently charges £766 ($1,030) for a global talent visa. Starmer’s initiative is seen as a timely response to compete for talent amidst evolving immigration policies, according to Dawn and Dawn.

Furthermore, the UK is reviewing its visa system as part of an overarching strategy to maintain its status as a leading hub for innovation. As reported, migration experts suggest that the recent US visa fee hike could lead to labor shortages in the tech sector, reinforcing the UK's argument for a more attractive visa policy. This is essential for keeping pace with the global competition for skilled labor, according to India Times and Channel News Asia.