Top UK scientist says research visa restrictions endanger economyBBCProf Sir Paul Nurse is one of the UK's most influential scientistsOne of Britain's most distinguished scientists, Prof Sir Paul Nurse, says the government is "shooting itself in the foot" with its visa system for science researchers. Sir Paul told BBC News that high visa fees are deterring early-career researchers, who are instead being welcomed by the UK's economic rivals. Supporters of the current system say higher visa costs help to fund the NHS and reflect wider public concerns about immigration. But the Nobel prize winning scientist says the UK's scientific future is being put at risk."Having expensive visa costs is shooting yourself in the foot. It absolutely doesn't help in attracting these sorts of people," Sir Paul said. Sir Paul, who has taken over as President of the Royal Society, which represents the UK's leading scientists, warns that countries such as China and Singapore are actively courting overseas scientific talent."Why do we put hurdles in the way of the people that are actually going to drive our economy? It makes zero sense."The Nobel prize-winner describes the UK's science base as "fragile" because of a combination of steep visa costs, funding pressures and the negative signal, current immigration rules. He urges ministers to rethink a system that forces scientists to pay an annual NHS surcharge and to prove they have thousands of pounds in the bank before they arrive. PASir Paul has been a confidant and advisor to sucessive Prime Ministers, including Boris JohnsonOfficial guidance on the Immigration Health Surcharge explains that visa applicants pay the surcharge to help fund their healthcare.
