Easy UK visa deals for entrepreneurs, but rich Russians face crackdown – FT

EDINBURGH — The British government is cracking down on super-rich individuals from corrupt states who have been living in the UK. The move is retaliation for Russia's attempt to assassinate a former spy in Salisbury, using chemicals. But it's still going to be easy for anyone with pots of money, and a smart business idea, to put down roots in Great Britain, the government has promised. So, too, is it relatively easy for educated people, including Russians, who have something to offer the university sector to gain a permanent foothold in the country. I was recently reminded of the ease, for some, of becoming UK residents when my Russian friends – educated to PhD and Master's levels respectively – were awarded visas to stay after five years of working hard, and publishing important research, for a Welsh university. – Jackie Cameron

By Thulasizwe Sithole

New Home Office rules that take effect in April will require visa applicants to prove they have had control of more than £2m for at least two years, reports the Financial Times.

"Wealthy investors from countries such as Russia who want to settle in Britain face stricter rules on so-called golden visas following the Skripal nerve agent attack. However, transparency campaigners have attacked the shake-up to the visa scheme, which has seen rich overseas investors such as billionaire Roman Abramovich set up home in the UK, as not going far enough," says the business newspaper.

"In an attempted crackdown on money-laundering, new Home Office rules that take effect in April will require visa applicants to prove they have had control of more than £2m for at least two years, rather than 90 days.

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