A blueprint for the world's most pro-innovation visa system

Passport to Progress: A Blueprint for the World’s Most Pro-Innovation Visa System an ABE-funded report from leading business groups urges a radical rethink of migration policy in order to stimulate economic growth. It has been produced by UK government think tank The Entrepreneurs Network, and foreworded by Lord Bilimoria and was launched in the House of Lords.  The report highlights that in order to tackle talent shortages and productivity stagnation governments need to invest in talent, making migration policy increasingly important. It argues that a competitive and flexible visa system is a must for any country that wants to innovate and grow. 

Looking at best-case examples from around the world, the Passport to Progress puts forward a number of policy recommendations for the UK, which governments elsewhere can adopt to attract top international students, high-skilled professionals, STEM researchers, entrepreneurs, and unusually talented individuals. ABE believes in an open market economy where everyone benefits from responsible globalisation and trade.  Funding research such as this, which has the potential to benefit ABE alumni founders who are looking to migrate, as well as supporting policy best practice in all the communities we serve is central to this remit. Rob May, Chief Executive Officer of ABE Global, said: “Recently in the UK, the positive effects of migration have once again become clouded in a hostile narrative. This neglects the historical truth that the flow of ideas, talent and people has been the cornerstone of peace and prosperity. With this report, we hope to unlock a sensible conversation in which the true potential of migration can overcome misplaced concerns.”

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