UK Plans Zero Visa Fees to Attract Global Talent, Including Nigerians

The UK plans to eliminate visa fees to attract global talent, including Nigerians, as part of efforts to lure top academic and digital experts away from the US. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's global talent taskforce aims to reduce costs and streamline paperwork to compete with the US in retaining skilled individuals.

The move comes after the UK raised visa prices, urging universities and tech firms to prioritize American nationals for senior roles. The initiative, introduced in 2020, targets professionals in science, engineering, medicine, digital, humanities, and the arts.

The UK's strategy aims to address the challenges posed by lengthy processing delays and red tape for major employers seeking skilled workers.