The immigration cap: how will it affect science in the UK?

Its bonkers and I hope the RSC can champion the common sense counter argument on our behalf. What kind of a country are we and do we want to be? I have seen potential incoming scientists with their own funding not being issued visas.

I think this is an absolute absurdity. It  is in complete opposition to progression of science. This cap ignores the concept of lager collaboration and stifles intensification of processes by reducing  "brain storming" on a large scale. It creates a proverbeal vacuum. The expansion of the horizons of many does just that.

In my oppinion the cap does nothing to stiffle colaberation or progression of science it will improve co-operation between organizations and universities . To share ideas you do not have to poach staff from overseas - something that is stiffling cross polination of ideas for years .

It is an odd approach to think the only way we can improve our science base is by shipping in people in from outside and that the value of the student is the stack of money they bring with them is just wrong ...

What we have had in the past is an open door and we welcome in the newcomers with open arms while at the same time undervaluing and demoralizing UK based professionals . We have talent that is uninspired  and undervalued here - If the cap can reconnect to those people it will be a good thing .

As a "Brit" now living and working in Canada,  I'm experiencing a similar process. Skilled worker immigration into Canada is determined by professions/Job positions deemed to be "In Demand" and is reviewed annually. Quotas of 1000 per category have been in place since 2010. In addition, It was announced recently that temporary work permits (TWPs) will be for a maximum of 4 years and you will have to leave Canada for 4 years before you can reapply.


Getting a TWP is also becoming more difficult . In order to employ a foreign worker, employers have to prove to a government branch that:

1. The Post has been fully advertised;
2. The could not hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with equal or better qualifications/experience.
3. The salary is commensurate with the job description.

I have seen the ill-effects of this sort of cap both in the UK and in North America and hope we can support free movement of scientists and technicians world-wide.  I have worked in the UK for over 30 years (as an American citizen married to a UK subject), and do not count myself as exceptionally skilled.  In any case, in science we need workers and ideas at all levels. 

I have also employed immigrants;  and recently lost a good employee who had to leave the UK becasue of his visa.  Had he stayed we might have increased our company's overseas business and added more workers. 

Technical and scientific work can be done anywhere;  the UK (and Europe) will only prosper if they are seen as welcoming to technical and scientific staff.  We need any people with ideas to be able to work here, create businesses, and export their products.  The UK has also profitted from people who once worked here but returned to another country.  These people buy UK products and promote UK ideas in their overseas homes.  They also use English and promote the advantages the UK gains from wide overseas use of English. 

The technical world is a tightly knit network.  By restricting movement of students, technicians and scientists, the UK is cutting itself off. 

David V. Bowen, Audata Ltd., Canterbury, Kent.