Foreign academics ‘in debt’ after paying thousands in UK visa fees

Actually the situation is worse for some people as their employers do not apply for 5 years but for 3 years. So you end up having to renew the visa then wait and apply for ILR. The cost there is escalated even further. Most institutions are not only ill-equiped financially to handle the cost (as it is considered a taxable benefit in most cases) but they simply do not know the rules but are unwilling (like companies) to pay companies to do this for their employees.

Many employers in all sectors will not cover the cost of a Tier 2 application. International students have faced this issue for years both to apply for a visa to study in the UK and remain in the UK to work post-studies. However they realise it's a personal choice to study/work in the UK and plan in advance to be able submit the application often with the goalposts being moved at the last minute. It might be useful to counter this article with the student perspective especially as they too will be affected by Brexit and may also go elsewhere.

Actually, it's no better or worse than being a British employee in Australia. Many years ago, I was sponsored for Aus PR by my employer, but had to pay my own visa fees (which are certainly on a par with those in the UK). Whilst not 'glad', I was content to pay them, as I was over the moon to be given the opportunity to work here.