Immigration rhetoric presents an existential risk to the future of UK research
By Tanya Sheridan, Royal Society of Chemistry Head of Policy and Evidence
Following the recent publication of the Migration Advisory Committee’s "Rapid Review of the Graduate Route", we urge the government to heed the advice of the review and refrain from making changes to the Graduate Visa.
We agree with the message of the Foreign Secretary and Education Secretary, reported yesterday in The Times, that curbs to this route risk the finances of UK universities, which are already suffering from the high costs of teaching and research in STEM subjects.
Cutting graduate visas would reduce the ability of foreign students to begin their careers in the UK, either joining an established company, an SME, or founding their own R&D-driven business. Industry evidence shows the chance of success in innovation is boosted by having an international team.
Engagement with companies from across the chemical sciences tells us they are looking for high-skilled STEM workers and want more graduates than the domestic supply can provide. The UK is part of a global talent market and needs to remain attractive to realise the economic benefits of research and innovation. Foreign students and graduates are also an important vector of soft power if they return home or continue their careers in a third country.
The Royal Society of Chemistry calls for an immigration system that:
- Works for the research and innovation sector, recognising that high-skilled and internationally competitive roles are not always afforded a commensurate salary, particularly in academia and start-ups. High-Skilled and Global Talent routes must reduce financial barriers.
- Is welcoming in tone and attitude, appropriate to attracting the best scientists, researchers, technicians, teachers, innovators and entrepreneurs to work in the UK for a period or settle permanently. Short-term academic mobility must not be penalised for length-of-stay requirements or as an entry reason to the UK.
- Keeps costs and burdens to a realistic minimum and allows payment over the period of the visa, rather than up-front. Scientific mobility often happens early in individuals’ careers, when salary and savings are not sufficient to cover the significant expense of moving to a new country, especially when moving with a family.
- Supports UK research through international collaboration and mobility of scientists, exporting the benefits of a UK university education while allowing highly trained graduates to work and grow their careers in UK research, development and innovation roles.