Ministers are creating a new visa system for global business leaders amid concerns that moves to tighten immigration rules are deterring “high-value” individuals from overseas.
Around 100 wealthy foreigners will initially be invited to join a new “bespoke” visa service which the Home Office said will ensure their passage through the UK border system is “swift and smooth.”
Members of the “GREAT Club” will get a personal “account manager” at the UK Visas and Immigration service to deal with their travel plans. The manager will arrange visa services “tailored to each individual’s needs at no extra cost”, the Home Office said.
Officials declined to say who would qualify for the club, saying only that individuals in a position to make a “significant contribution” to the economy would be eligible.
Mrs May, the Home Secretary, will also announce plans to extend existing priority visa services to business people in more countries.
Rich visitors from India and China will be able to apply for same-day visa approval, instead of waiting several days.