BORIS Johnson is tearing up immigration rules to make it easier for the world’s best scientists to live and work in Britain.
Boffins will be given a fast-track visa even if they don’t have a job offer.
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Ministers will also abolish the cap on the number of visas dished out to scientists.
They will let more universities sponsor them to come over, and allow their spouses to work in Britain too.
Mr Johnson revealed the plan on Facebook Live yesterday — becoming the first PM to announce policy on a streaming platform.
He said: “I want the UK to continue to be a global science superpower.” He added the move would ensure a post-Brexit UK carries on developing and exporting innovation. The PM, left, also visited a fusion research centre in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, yesterday.
Aides said the immigration plan delivers on the PM’s pledge to open our doors to top talent while cracking down on low-skilled migrants.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “We want Britain to be the most prosperous economy in Europe with an immigration system that attracts the brightest and best global talent.
“These gifted minds will bolster the UK’s standing as a hub for science and innovation as we look to introduce a points-based system.”
Dr Adam Marshall, of the British Chambers of Commerce, said it was a positive signal “as business needs the new government to demonstrate its openness to the world”.
He added: “It should be followed, swiftly, with further concrete policies to ensure our future immigration system works at every level.”
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