The UK government has announced the launch of a new visa route targeting graduates from prestigious universities, including hospitality schools.
Successful applicants to the points-based system will be given a two-year work visa (three-year for those with a PhD) and will be permitted to move into other long-term employment routes.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “This new visa offer means that the UK can continue to attract the best and brightest from across the globe. The route means that the UK will grow as a leading international hub for innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
“We want the businesses of tomorrow to be built here today - which is why I call on students to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to forge their careers here.
“The UK is already home to some of the most ground-breaking start-ups, on the forefront of R&D and an incredibly diverse and exciting place to live - come and join in!”
UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls said: “This announcement is a positive indication that the UK wants to welcome global talent with open arms, and that very much includes hospitality, a sector in which where there are incredible opportunities at the higher end of skilled roles. There are opportunities here for our world class hospitality schools, too, so we hope that these openings will be extended to them, too, in order to showcase our excellence and attract the best candidates.
“That would be greatly enhanced, however, if there was also an increased use of youth mobility schemes with other nations, and bilateral arrangements built into forthcoming trade deals. It is important that the communications that accompany today’s move convey to talent around the world that the UK is the place to be.”