'Best and brightest' | Why the UK's new foreign workers Visa scheme should have HR excited

The UK Government has announced a new Visa scheme which could pave the way for more overseas workers to boost the nation’s talent pool.

The ‘High Potential Individual’ (HPI) initiative will permit anyone who has graduated in the past five years – from a set list of 'elite' global universities – to live and work in the UK for at least two years if they hold a Bachelors or Master’s degree, or three years if they obtained a PHD.

Crucially, a key difference from existing Visa schemes is that, under the new HPI route, those coming to the UK will not need to already have a job offer. And in another positive move, anyone who successfully applies, will be able to bring their partner and children with them.

Ministers hope the HPI plan, which launched this week, will attract the “brightest and best” at the beginning of their careers to work in the UK.