Boris Johnson may introduce 'London visa'

By Alice Philipson

The plan, which has been submitted to the Home Office, would see the best applicants given an official endorsement that would speed their entry and help them bypass the often lengthy process of the current visa system. 

London Mayor Mr Johnson said the idea was about attracting the "best and brightest" to London. 

Mr Johnson told the Financial Times: "It is a clear message to the elite of Silicon Valley or the fashionistas of Beijing that London is the place they should come to develop ideas, build new businesses and be part of an epicentre for global talent." 

Under the plan proposed by Mr Johnson, London would receive a yearly allocation of 100 of the Government's 1,000 existing "exceptional talent" visas. 

These are generally given out to those at the top of their field in areas such as science and the arts. 

However, many applicants still struggle with the bureucracy and cost of the visa system. 

Entrepreneurs have complained in the past that they cannot recruit the talent they need from outside the European Union because they cannot afford to negotiate the costly visa system on behalf of foreign workers. 

Deputy London Mayor Kit Malthouse said if they system proved a success, the allocation could be expanded in future. 

He added that in fields such as technology and fashion, individual talent can be vital to that sector's success. 

"We only need to find one Steve Jobs and we have an Apple on our hands," he said.