“Exceptionally talented Filipinos” in the fields of science, arts, engineering, the humanities and social sciences are welcome in United Kingdom (UK).

The UK government opened its doors to talented Filipinos when they launched the “exceptional Talent” special migration program. This program encourages the people who are considered to be the best and the brightest in the fields mentioned above to work and live in UK.

According to the announcement made by the UK Embassy in the Philippines, “This new (migration) route for up to 1,000 exceptionally talented migrants will facilitate not only those who have already been recognized, but also those with the potential to be recognized as leaders in their respective fields.”

To determine if a an aspiring migrant is really considered to be the best and the brightest, the program will be administered by internationally recognized competent bodies

The embassy was referring to the following bodies:

• The Royal Society, a fellowship of the world’s most eminent scientists, which was tasked to nominate up to 300 migrant applicants;

• Arts Council England, the UK’s development agency for the arts, which will be able to nominate up to 300 applicants;

• Royal Academy of Engineering, Britain’s national academy for engineering, which has up to 200 slots to nominate; and

• The British Academy, the famed UK institution for the humanities and social sciences, which can nominate up to 200 applicants.

In an interview by Inquirer, the UK Press and Events officer said that from August 9 to November 3 2011, the UK government allotted 500 visa slots for migrants from all over the world. Another 500 slots will be opened from December 1 to March 31, 2012.

Ayers-Plata said, “The number of places will be evaluated at the end of the first year to determine whether or not the number of places will be revised the following year.”

Ayers-Plata also said that there are no immigration quotas per country.

She said, “The decision for endorsement is up to the competent bodies who will vouch to the UK Border Agency that, in its opinion, the migrant is exceptionally talented.”