Battle for Global Talent: UK Mulls Offering Free Visas for Top Talent as Trump Enforces $100k H-1B Fee

In a high-stakes transatlantic showdown for the world’s brightest minds, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is aiming to eliminate visa fees for elite scientists and digital experts to supercharge Britain’s economic growth. This bold move comes in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s executive order on 19 September 2025, which imposed a $100,000 (approximately £74,000) annual fee on new H-1B visas, reshaping high-skilled immigration overnight.

As global competition for top talent intensifies, Britain’s strategy signals a clear pivot to attract world-class innovators amid America’s tightening immigration policies.

### Scrapping Fees: UK’s Strategic Lure for High-Skilled Innovators

Starmer’s global talent taskforce, co-chaired by Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance and business adviser Varun Chandra, is pushing to abolish application costs for outstanding foreign professionals.

“We’re talking about the sort of people who have attended the world’s top five universities or have won prestigious prizes. We’re kicking around the idea of cutting costs to zero,” an official told the *Financial Times* on 22 September 2025.

The proposal extends to waiving fees for partners and children, easing family relocation for individuals in science, engineering, and digital technology fields.

The Home Office supports the initiative, stating it will “attract and retain high-skilled talent, particularly in science, research, and technology, to maintain the UK’s status as a leading international hub for emerging talent and innovation.”

Discussions between Number 10 and the Treasury intensified following Trump’s announcement, with insiders noting it “put wind in the sails” of immigration reform ahead of the 26 November 2025 Budget.

Importantly, no job offer is required under this visa, which fast-tracks settlement for leaders in their fields and is endorsed by organizations such as UK Research and Innovation. Official statistics show grants surged 76% to 3,901 in the year to June 2023.

### Trump’s H-1B Hammer: $100k Fee Upends US Tech Hiring

Trump’s executive order mandates a $100,000 (approximately £74,000) annual fee for new H-1B visa petitions, affecting fresh applicants from the February 2026 lottery.

Since 2004, the H-1B program has been capped at 85,000 visas annually and faced criticism for suppressing wages. Yet, tech giants like Amazon — which secured 12,000 approvals in early 2025 — remain heavily reliant on it.

White House aide Abigail Jackson clarified on 20 September 2025 that existing visa holders will be exempt from the fee, urging those currently abroad to return quickly.

India accounted for 71% of 2024 approvals, and China 11.7%, according to US data.

US Labour Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is reviewing prevailing wage regulations to better protect American workers.

This order forms part of Trump’s broader immigration clampdown initiated in January 2025 and has alarmed sectors such as IT, prompting companies to scramble amid talent shortages.

Elon Musk backed the measure for addressing genuine workforce gaps, while critics warn it could stifle innovation.

### UK Gains Edge in High-Skilled Immigration Tug-of-War

Starmer’s May 2025 white paper raised skilled worker thresholds to RQF level 6 and increased the Immigration Skills Charge by 32%, now standing at £2,400 for small firms and £6,600 for large ones.

Despite these hikes, elite visa pathways remain open for AI pioneers and engineers, with no salary floors applied.

“This isn’t about diluting our determination to bring down net migration, but it’s about getting the brightest and best into Britain,” Lord Vallance affirmed.

Trump’s hefty H-1B fee may reroute 7,000 to 8,000 workers annually, benefiting UK firms under the current minimum cap of 41,700 visas from 22 July 2025.

English language requirements for visa extensions will also rise to B2 level.

*Financial Times* journalist John Reed posted on X: “Will America’s loss be Britain’s gain? UK explores plan to drop visa fees for top global talent.”

Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering tax adjustments for non-domiciled residents to further boost the UK’s appeal.

With net migration approaching one million by June 2023, this strategy reflects a delicate balance between immigration control and ambitious economic growth.
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/battle-global-talent-uk-mulls-offering-free-visas-top-talent-trump-enforces-100k-h-1b-fee-1744982

Japan’s First Ordinance Limits Smartphone Use to Two Hours a Day

The new measure, set to take effect on October 1st, marks a significant first for Japan by establishing smartphone usage guidelines applicable to all residents. Notably, no penalties will be imposed for any violations of these guidelines.

The primary goal of this ordinance is to ensure that children get sufficient sleep and to encourage more family communication. To support this, the measure introduces specific cut-off times for minors: elementary school students and younger are advised to stop using smartphones by 9 PM, while junior high school students and older (under 18 years old) are advised to cease usage by 10 PM.

By promoting healthier smartphone habits, the ordinance aims to foster better well-being and stronger family connections across the country.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146984.php

AI Boom By 2030: $2 Trillion In Annual Revenue Needed To Power Global Computing Demand

New Delhi: A new report by Bain & Company reveals that at least $2 trillion in annual revenue will be required to fund the computing power needed to meet the anticipated global AI demand by 2030. Despite potential AI-related savings, the world still faces an $800 billion shortfall to keep pace with this growing demand.

According to the report, global incremental AI compute requirements could reach 200 gigawatts by 2030, with the United States accounting for half of this power consumption. Even if US companies redirected all their on-premise IT budgets to the cloud and reinvested AI-generated savings from sales, marketing, customer support, and R&D into capital spending on new data centers, the funds would still be insufficient to cover the full investment needed. This is because AI’s compute demand is increasing at more than twice the rate of Moore’s Law, Bain noted.

“By 2030, technology executives will face the challenge of deploying about $500 billion in capital expenditures and securing roughly $2 trillion in new revenue to profitably meet demand,” explained David Crawford, chairman of Bain’s Global Technology Practice. He added that since AI compute demand is outpacing semiconductor efficiency, there will be dramatic increases in power supply requirements on grids that have not expanded capacity for decades.

The report also highlights the complexities created by the competitive arms race among nations and leading technology providers. This dynamic brings risks of both overbuilding and underbuilding infrastructure, making strategic planning more challenging than ever. Navigating potential innovations, infrastructure constraints, supply shortages, and algorithmic improvements will be critical in the coming years, Crawford emphasized.

While computational demand surges, many leading companies have transitioned from piloting AI capabilities to profiting from AI at scale. Organizations applying AI across core workflows have achieved earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) gains ranging from 10% to 25% over the past two years. However, the report notes that most companies remain in experimental stages with AI and are content with modest productivity improvements.

Bain also found that tariffs, export controls, and government efforts worldwide to develop sovereign AI capabilities are accelerating the fragmentation of global technology supply chains. Cutting-edge fields like AI have evolved beyond being mere catalysts for economic growth to becoming essential instruments of political power and national security.

“Sovereign AI capabilities are increasingly regarded as a strategic advantage comparable to economic and military strength,” said Anne Hoecker, head of Bain’s Global Technology Practice.

*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. Only the headline has been modified.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/ai-boom-by-2030-2-trillion-in-annual-revenue-needed-to-power-global-computing-demand

Navratri 2025 Day 2 Colour Is Red: Know Meaning & Style To Try By Bollywood Celebs

By: Rahul M | September 23, 2025

**Sharidya Navratri Day 2 Colour is Red**

The second day of Sharidya Navratri is dedicated to Maa Durga’s form, Goddess Brahmacharin, and the colour to embrace is red. This vibrant hue represents strength, devotion, and penance, making it the perfect choice for your Day 2 celebrations.

Opt for a classic red saree, just like Katrina Kaif, to enhance your beauty and personality during Sharidya Navratri. Red sarees are timeless and add a touch of elegance to your festive look.

For men, a timeless kurta is the best option during the festive season. Choose designs with golden patterns, similar to the kurta worn by Varun Dhawan, to add a sophisticated and traditional flair to your outfit.

Alia Bhatt’s stunning red lehenga choli is the ideal inspiration for an exquisite Garba night. Style it like the actress with minimal jewelry and a matching potli bag, allowing your ensemble to shine effortlessly.

If you’re looking for fiery and dazzling energy on Garba night, the red ensemble designed by Manish Malhotra and worn by Karisma Kapoor is the perfect choice. It embodies boldness and glamour in every stitch.

Men’s fashion is gearing up for 2025 as well. Take style cues from actor Vicky Kaushal, who embraced a striking red look that’s both modern and festive.

For a regal and graceful Navratri celebration, adorn yourself in a bejeweled lehenga similar to the one worn by Shilpa Shetty on Day 2. This look perfectly balances elegance and tradition.

Thank you for reading!

**Garba Night In Bollywood Style!**

From Janhvi Kapoor to Shilpa Shetty, take inspiration from your favourite celebs and their stunning Chaniya Choli looks this Navratri!
https://www.freepressjournal.in/ampstories/lifestyle/navratri-2025-day-2-colour-is-red-know-meaning-style-to-try-by-bollywood-celebs

Japan’s First Ordinance Limits Smartphone Use to Two Hours a Day

The measure, set to take effect on October 1st, marks the first time in Japan that smartphone usage guidelines will apply to all residents. Notably, no penalties will be imposed for any violations of the ordinance.

The primary aim of this new regulation is to ensure that children get sufficient sleep and to promote increased communication within families. To support this goal, the ordinance establishes specific cut-off times for smartphone use among minors.

Elementary school students and younger are advised to stop using smartphones by 9 PM. For junior high school students and older minors (under 18 years old), the recommended cut-off time is 10 PM.

By setting these guidelines, the measure hopes to foster healthier habits and strengthen family interactions across the country.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146984.php

Japan’s First Ordinance Limits Smartphone Use to Two Hours a Day

The new ordinance, set to take effect on October 1st, marks the first of its kind in Japan by establishing smartphone usage guidelines for all residents. Notably, no penalties will be imposed for any violations of these guidelines.

The primary goal of this measure is to ensure that children get sufficient sleep, while also encouraging increased communication within families. To support this, the ordinance outlines specific cut-off times for minors when using smartphones.

Elementary school students and younger are advised to stop using their smartphones by 9 PM. Meanwhile, junior high school students and older minors (under 18 years old) are encouraged to cease smartphone use by 10 PM.

By promoting healthier smartphone habits, this initiative aims to foster better sleep and strengthen family relationships across the community.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146984.php

Manoj Bajpayee On Whether He Believes In The Supernatural World, Jugnuma, Anurag Kashyap And More

**Jugnuma – The Fable: Manoj Bajpayee on the Mystical New Film**

*Jugnuma – The Fable*, starring Manoj Bajpayee and directed by Raam Reddy, is set in 1989 and tells the story of a family living in the hills whose peaceful life is disturbed by mysterious fires breaking out in their orchards. The film is currently running in theatres and features a talented cast including Priyanka Bose, Deepak Dobriyal, and Tillotama Shome.

There is a hint of mystical elements woven into the narrative, notably with Manoj Bajpayee’s character acquiring wings and flying off into the sky, adding a magical dimension to the story.

In an exclusive phone interview, Manoj Bajpayee shared insights about his involvement in the film, his thoughts on the supernatural, and more.

**How did you get associated with Jugnuma?**

Ram offered me the script, and when I read it, I was completely taken in by the unique world he created on paper. The story also touched on certain existential issues that resonated deeply with me, as I was personally searching for similar answers.

**What really made you say yes to the script? Was it Anurag, Guneet, Ram, or a combination of all three?**

Guneet came on board much later, after the film was completed. After watching it, she decided to be part of the project. Anurag saw the film in New York and immediately wanted to help take it as far as possible. However, during the making of the film, it was just Ram and me. I said yes because of Ram’s talent as a filmmaker and the script itself, which I found to be unique, mesmerizing, and magical.

**The mysterious fires and magical elements — is the story loosely based on any true incidents?**

I’m not entirely sure. Ram would be the best person to answer that. What I do know is that the inspiration came from reports of fires in jungles and mountains, which Ram then used as a springboard for his imaginative story.

**Do you believe there’s another world out there — a supernatural one?**

Sort of. Honestly, you’ll have to watch the film to really understand what it’s about. Personally, I do believe in God and in powers beyond our mental comprehension. Even though we can’t see these forces, there’s a reason why the natural world around us moves with such precision, almost like on autopilot. With our naked eyes, we perceive this presence through nature, but there has to be someone—or something—designing, protecting, and sometimes even devastating this world.

*Jugnuma – The Fable* promises to be a beautifully crafted narrative blending reality, mysticism, and human emotions. Don’t miss it in theatres now.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/manoj-bajpayee-on-whether-he-believes-in-the-supernatural-world-jugnuma-anurag-kashyap-and-more

UP eager to move forward after beating from UST

It wasn’t the start Coach Goldwyn Monteverde and the University of the Philippines had hoped for in Season 88 of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.

Getting pounded, 87-67, by a University of Santo Tomas team that dominated Sunday’s marquee encounter left the defending champions with little time to rue the defeat. With another challenging game ahead, the team must quickly regroup and refocus.
https://sports.inquirer.net/641252/up-eager-to-move-forward-after-beating-from-ust

Japan’s First Ordinance Limits Smartphone Use to Two Hours a Day

The new ordinance, set to take effect on October 1st, marks a first in Japan by establishing smartphone usage guidelines for all residents. Notably, no penalties will be imposed for any violations of these guidelines.

The primary aim of this measure is to ensure that children get sufficient sleep and to foster increased communication within families. To support this goal, the ordinance specifies recommended smartphone cut-off times for minors.

Elementary school students and younger are advised to stop using smartphones by 9 PM. Meanwhile, junior high school students and older minors (under 18 years old) are encouraged to cease usage by 10 PM.

Through these guidelines, the ordinance seeks to promote healthier habits and strengthen family bonds across the country.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146984.php

Jockey at centre of ‘racially charged’ videos learns his fate after appealing monster ban

Veteran jockey Noel Callow has been informed of his fate following an appeal regarding his 10-month ban.

The suspension was initially imposed due to his use of language deemed ‘racially charged.’

Despite the appeal, the ban remains in place, reinforcing the consequences of such conduct within the sport.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/racing/article-15124369/Jockey-centre-racially-charged-videos-learns-fate-appealing-monster-ban.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

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