UK Plans to Double Skilled Worker Visas Amid US H-1B Fee Surge

The U.S. under President Trump has announced a dramatic increase in H-1B visa fees to $100,000, a move designed to prioritize American workers but which risks pushing foreign tech talent away from Silicon Valley. This policy change has caused concern among U.S. tech firms and has led to confusion and disruption as foreign workers scrambled to return to the U.S. The UK government, led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, aims to capitalize on this by making it easier to attract global talent, including plans to double high-skilled foreign worker visas and reduce or abolish visa fees. Reeves emphasized that while the U.S. is making it harder for foreign talent, the UK seeks to be more welcoming, despite internal political tensions over immigration policy. This strategy coincides with the UK’s efforts to promote itself as a tech hub, highlighted by a significant tech deal with the U.S. and investments from firms like Revolut. The contrasting approaches illustrate a competitive global environment for attracting skilled workers amid rising nationalist immigration policies.