A new study by independent private sector group Tech London Advocates (TLA), has found that shortage of talent in the UK is “inhibiting” London growth and the city’s position as a global technology hub. TLA’s survey of its members revealed that 43% fear that a shortage of talent is hampering technology growth in London and 10% felt that harsh immigration legislation was an obstacle to growth which had failed to keep pace with the times. TLA is a group of more than 500 people in the tech ecosystem tasked with promoting London’s tech sector by dealing with issues and challenges they see on the horizon.
‘Strict’ UK Immigration Legislation Blamed for Hampering Technology Growth
Last year, the market research company GfK, found that 77% of London tech businesses said they would grow faster if there were more skilled people available. It seems that strict immigration rules are keeping vital developers and experts out of the country. City AM has quoted SwiftKey, a rising software company as an example and states that its employees speak tens of languages but it can take months for such companies to get through the complex visa process and hire highly skilled migrant workers.
Russ Shaw, founder of TLA stated:
“Encouraging young people to study STEM (science, technology, education and maths) subjects and initiatives to encourage digital skills are important steps in the right direction, but we are calling on the government to review education and immigration legislation to fuel the long term growth of London’s most vibrant industry.”
‘Highly Experienced’ Tech Workers Kept out of UK
It can be said that the UK’s lengthy and complicated visa process could be deterring international experienced tech workers from coming to the UK. It is no surprise that the workers would be courted by tech companies in other countries.
Dan Crow, CTO of Songkick states:
“There is a deep pool of highly experienced people in Silicon Valley. We’ve managed to tempt a few of them to London, but we’ve also lost some very promising potential employees because it is so hard for Americans to get visas for the UK.”
Successful UK Visa Applications for Skilled & Talented Workers
It remains to be seen how the government now deals with the shortage; we reported last month that the Immigration Minister James Brokenshire had planned to extend the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa Route so it would include endorsements by Tech City UK as well as making it easier for applicants in this category to apply from overseas.
Our team of experienced and professionally qualified immigration solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa application or Tier 2 General migrant visa application step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of law.
We also undertake a great deal of appeal work before the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal and have a successful track record of successful results for our clients. We have the experience and the knowledge required to take your case forward successfully. If you have had a visa refused, contact us to discuss your case so that we can provide you with a case assessment.
Contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment.