[REF: Red tape on visas to be cut to help businesses, Theresa May announces. 11/02/15]

Sir,

The news that the UK’s visa system will be further reformed will be welcome in the City of London and the wider business world, as a more simplified visa process means the UK can continue to attract global business and talented people.

For several years the City of London Corporation has encouraged better engagement between business and government on migration related issues, including potential obstacles in the visa application process, especially for emerging markets like China, India and Latin America, which are benefitting Britain through mutual trade and inward investment. The new measures demonstrate that the government is listening to the concerns voiced by firms across a range of different industries, and match the aspiration of “open for business” with action.

London cannot afford to fall behind other global financial hubs such as Singapore and New York, which have continued to show foresight by simplifying their visa processes. That is why our visa regime needs to react quickly to the realities of a fast changing global economic landscape.

Mark Boleat, Policy Chairman, City of London Corporation