UK Home Secretary Theresa May has announced that an invitation only fast track visa service to travel to the UK will be launched in the New Year. The 12 month pilot scheme is aimed at global business leaders who have strong links to the UK and aims to benefit about 100 executives providing them with “bespoke” support from UK Visas and Immigration.
Theresa May Brands UK Business Leaders as “The Great Club”
Theresa May has described the 100 global business leaders who will use the visa service as ‘The Great Club’. The Home Office has said that those who join the club will be allocated a personal account manager to make sure that “their journey through the visa and immigration service is swift and smooth”. It seems that the new premium visa service is part of the government’s economic growth plan to attract the best and brightest workers, as well as business and investment in the UK.
Improvements to UK Visa Immigration Services for All Business Migrants
UK Visas and Immigration have further plans to improve their immigration services for business users globally. This service will be available for those who are prepared to pay £600 in addition to the usual visa fee. Improvements to the visa services will involve;
- Increasing the £100 extra priority three to five day visa service from 67 countries to more than 90 by spring 2014; and
- Extending the same day visa service presently available in India and soon to reach China to a number of other countries by the end of next year.
Reasoning Behind Fast Track Visa Services for Business Leaders
The initiation of the fast-track business visa comes from repeated complaints about delays in the handling of visa applications, specifically in India and China. Despite Prime Minister David Cameron’s third visit to India in two years, officials have failed to clarify who would be considered for the club. Officials have only stated that that those who are in a position to make a significant contribution to the economy would qualify.
A spokesperson for the Home Office stated:
“Over the next 12 months, additional improvements (to the visa system) will include introducing a VIP mobile visa service to India and piloting our passport pass-back service in southern India with a view to expanding countrywide if successful.”
Theresa May added, “These changes will allow us to maintain a world class, competitive visa system that can innovate in order to serve the ever-changing needs of business and ensure Britain succeeds in the global race. We will continue to listen and respond to the needs of high-value and high-priority businesses so that we can provide them with a service that supports economic growth, while at the same time maintains the security of our borders.”
Successful Visa Applications for Business Migrants to the UK
Our team of experienced and professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making successful visa application step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of the law. Please contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment of your case.