DHAKA: The United Kingdom’s Home Secretary announced sweeping changes to Britain’s visa system to attract greater foreign investment, reducing red tape and cutting down processing times.

The reforms will reduce the number of visa types available to foreign business travelers and performing artists from 15 to four from April.

The changes will allow business travelers to take a holiday in the UK alongside meetings for the first time. Previously two visas were required to do so.

The announcement came after the Home Office consulted with more than 100 organizations, including business groups and tourism bodies on what changes were needed to the complex visa system.

The changes followed months of lobbying by business leaders who have long been arguing that the complexities of the visa system are hurting Britain’s economic recovery.

May said: “Fine-tuning the immigration system will help ensure we are demonstrating to the rest of the world that Britain remains open for business and that visitors are always welcome in the UK, whether they come for leisure or work.”

“In a global marketplace we must make sure we stay ahead of our competitors as we work to carry on attracting the business and leisure travelers who will help our economy grow further still”, she added.

BDST: 1144 HRS, MAR 16, 2015