Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of applicants for Global Talent Visas, and the reasons for any shortfall in that number, and whether they intend to review associated policies which might deter applicants, such as increased health surcharges.

The Global Talent route is for individuals recognised as leaders, or who have demonstrated promise to become leaders, in their field. It forms part of the wider offer for skilled workers.

Since its launch in 2020, the Global Talent route has seen a significant increase in applicants. In the year ending June 2023, there was a 76% rise (+1,679) in Global Talent visas to 3,901 grants, compared to the year ending June 2022. Applications across work routes, such as Skilled Worker, are at record highs.

As with all immigration routes, we keep the requirements under review. We continue to work closely with the Global Talent endorsing bodies, who assist in setting endorsement criteria by virtue of their position as the UK’s leading experts in the scientific, digital technology, and arts and culture sectors.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) rates have not increased since 2020, and the cost of providing public services has increased in that time. It is right that we keep the IHS level under review to ensure that it reflects the genuine cost to the NHS of providing healthcare to those who pay it.