Visa system should prioritise academics, finds major poll

Universities UK survey shows widespread support for scholars coming to the country

Four out of five UK adults want the country’s immigration system to allow academics, scientists and their support staff to work in the country at any stage during their career, a poll by Universities UK suggests.

According to a survey of more than 4,000 British adults, conducted for the umbrella group that represents universities in late November, some 85 per cent of those asked said it was important for the UK to be “a world leader in science and research”.