The UK has seen a surge in applications for tech visas, indicating that Britain still has potential for those hoping to work in the technology industry.
According to Tech City UK, the government tech organisation that processes applications for the dedicated “Tier 1 Exceptional Talent” visa, successful applications had more than quadrupled in the last 12 months.
The scheme, introduced in 2014, was designed to encourage workers from abroad to bring their expertise to the UK and boost the country’s technology sector. The scheme gives Tech City UK to endorse applications from non-EU workers, allowing successful applicants stay in the country for five years.
Initially the requirements for the visa were so tough that only a few were granted, leading to the relaxation of the rules. Since then applications have soared, and have continued to rise in the wake of the Brexit vote; indicating that those working in the technology sector are keen to remain in Britain despite the impact leaving the European Union may have.
Theresa May has vowed to set aside visas for those wanting to work in the tech in the UK, in an effort to reassure companies that the government will set the technology sector at the top of its agenda post-Brexit.