UK Research Visa Rules Endanger the Economy, Warns Nobel Laureate

Nobel laureate Sir Paul Nurse argues Britain's high visa fees for researchers deter talent and threaten the country's scientific leadership, calling for a rethink of immigration policy.

Sir Paul Nurse, a Nobel Prize–winning scientist and the newly appointed president of the Royal Society, says Britain’s visa system for researchers is harming the country’s scientific future. He argues that steep visa fees deter early-career researchers and push talent toward rival nations such as China and Singapore.

Supporters say higher fees help fund the National Health Service and reflect public concerns about immigration. Nurse, however, warns that the combination of costly visas, tight funding, and immigration messaging is weakening the UK’s research base.

"Having expensive visa costs is shooting yourself in the foot. It absolutely doesn’t help attract these kinds of researchers," Nurse told INLIBER News. He notes that other countries are actively courting international talent, increasing the risk for Britain’s science sector.

As President of the Royal Society, he describes the UK science base as fragile due to visa costs, funding pressures, and policy signals around immigration. He urges ministers to rethink a system that imposes an annual NHS surcharge and requires substantial bank savings before arrival.

PA Three people in white lab coats stand in a bright laboratory. The woman, Lucy Collinson, on the left points at something in her hand. The blond man, Boris Johnson, on the right holds a small object. Sir Paul stands between them, all focused on the discussion.

Official guidance explains that the immigration health surcharge funds healthcare used by visa holders. Home Office rules require applicants to show savings to prove they can support themselves without recourse to public funds.

The Centre for Policy Studies argues for lower net migration, aiming for a target in the tens of thousands. Policy expert Karl Williams agrees with many of Nurse’s concerns but warns that overall migration must stay controlled after a recent surge.

The wave of immigration from 2021 to 2024 was a defining moment for Britain. If you ease rules for one sector, you risk inviting others and recreating past challenges, says Karl Williams, a policy expert at the Centre for Policy Studies.

Home Office visa statistics show a small number of science-related work visas in the latest quarter: 323 approvals. Williams stresses that any increase must be part of a broader, manageable plan to avoid swelling overall migration.