London: In an effort to attract the brightest and the best from India and other places, Britain has effected changes in its Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, the Home Ministry has announced.

Under the new scheme, the overall points required to qualify will be reduced from 75 points to 65 and from next summer, foreign nationals who have studied mathematics, science or engineering at a UK institution will be able to work in the UK for 12 months following graduation under the new Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme.

Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes said, "The UK is a world leader in attracting uniquely talented people and through innovative schemes, such as the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, we are helping supply businesses with the skills and talent they need to thrive."

He said since the scheme began in January 2002, 3,721 successful applicants were enriching the UK both economically and culturally in professions as diverse as academia, medicine and music.

"We are also looking to invest in the high achievers of tomorrow through the Science Engineering and Graduate Scheme. There is a real demand in sectors such as research and development and financial services for maths, science and engineering specialists.

"We hope that this scheme will encourage overseas students to study in the UK and following graduation be a real asset in the work place," he added.

PTI