Failing innovator visa will cost UK economy: Experts (Eastern Eye) (6 September 2019)

Business immigration director Tamana Aziz gives her expert opinion to Eastern Eye regarding the new visa for overseas entrepreneurs to work in the UK. Experts along with Tamana have branded the visa ‘too strict’ and a ‘complete disaster’ and have argued that it risks discouraging talent from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Tamana comments; “Experienced business people have to secure an endorsement of their business idea by government-approved endorsement bodies prior to submitting an application for entry clearance. This new visa category does not seem to be business-friendly and is stricter than the previous Tier 1 entrepreneur route. As a business immigration specialist, I believe this new route will have an impact on attracting entrepreneurs from south Asia. They will surely choose a more predictable and sustainable soil where they –rather than a third-partner endorser – have control of their business idea. Further, the risk of a restrictive system for entrepreneurs is that it damages the UK’s hard-won reputation for openness and for welcoming businesses from Asia.”