TIGA publishes UK immigration guide, reiterates call to waive visas for Ukrainians
"EU countries have waived visa rules for Ukrainian refugees, the UK should be equally generous and establish a similar scheme"
UK games trade body TIGA has released a guide to the country's immigration system and what it means for the industry.
The document explains the UK's points-based system, which was introduced in January 2021, as well as the cost involved.
In addition to detailing the Skilled Worker visa, which mostly targets people who have had a job offer in the UK, the report also explore the alternatives, including the Global Talent Visa, which is geared towards "highly skilled individuals" in their field, the Graduate Visa, the Intra-company Transfer Visa, and more.
Following the publication of the document, TIGA also reiterated its call for the UK government to open up its borders to people fleeing the war in Ukraine and waive its visa rules for refugees.
The trade body said it "welcomes" some of the changes announced by the UK government on Thursday (including the extension of the family visa scheme) but that "we need to do more."
"TIGA calls for the establishment of a new visa route, beyond the current points-based immigration route, family visa route and visa for temporary workers route, to ensure that those fleeing wars and persecution can apply for a visa on humanitarian grounds," the statement read. "TIGA is reiterating its call to introduce a humanitarian route to offer all Ukrainians seeking refuge the right to come to the UK regardless of whether they have family ties here.
"EU countries have waived visa rules for Ukrainian refugees, with the effect that they can stay within the EU and work for up to three years, without having to first seek asylum. The UK should be equally generous and establish a similar scheme."
TIGA had issued a similar call last week, asking the government to relax visa rules for Ukrainians.
Meanwhile, games industry recruiter InGameJob is gathering information on any companies who can directly help games professionals who are fleeing Ukraine, with several studios already involved (including Playground, No Brakes Games, Virtuos, Nordisk Games) with the aim to hire Ukrainian staff, help with housing, provide legal advice, and more.