Russ Shaw, founder of Tech London Advocates and Global Tech Advocates and ex-VP of Skype, explains how Canada is making bold steps to attract foreign tech talent, and the UK should be doing the same.
Canada’s government and business leaders have responded to President Trump’s disruptive immigration policies with a private-sector led optimism. From welcoming those rejected under the President’s controversial Travel Ban to piloting a world-leading startup visa, the lesser known tech hubs north of Silicon Valley have made a strong case to attract global talent. It is important that post-Brexit Britain does the same, if we are to compete in the challenge for the world’s best and brightest tech professionals.
Trump’s partially implemented travel ban, coupled with ominous rhetoric on the H-1B visas for skilled workers, has put the US in a difficult position and provided tech hubs from around the globe with a unique opportunity. The UK should learn from international best practice to craft a uniquely British immigration system that attracts the world’s best and brightest tech talent and competes with the likes of Silicon Valley and Israel on a global scale....