UK visa and immigration expert, Yash Dubal, director of A Y & J Solicitors, predicts that the number of Indian professionals moving to the UK to live and work will continue to rise…reports Asian Lite News
The UK India Business Council is urging for “mutually beneficial” immigration policies in the trade discussions between India and the UK. With a surge in Indian nationals working and studying in the UK, the council highlighted the critical role of labour mobility in enhancing the bilateral relationship and underpinning economic growth for both nations.
Meanwhile, and immigration experts suggest that the trade deal is likely to encourage more Indians to immigrate in the UK in the coming years.
This comes at a time when a recent report shows Indian nationals were granted more UK skilled Worker visas than any other nationality in 2022. They received 39% of the total work permits, a jump of 90% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Indians also gained more British citizenship than any other non-European nation.
UKIBC Managing Director, Kevin McCole, says the living bridge is a ‘vital pillar of the UK-India bilateral relationship which contributes much to both our countries’ economies and to wider society’.
“There has been significant growth in the number of Indians coming to the UK in recent years thanks to positive developments that have extended and improved mobility opportunities and flexibility, such as the new points-based immigration system and extension of the post-study work visa for students and graduates,” he said.
“As a result, the UK issues more work, student, and tourist visas to Indians than to any other nationality. As the trade and investment relationship continues to grow, labour mobility remains of critical importance – having the people with the right skills in the right place at the right time is really important to both UK and Indian businesses. We therefore hope for a mutually beneficial outcome on labour mobility in the ongoing FTA negotiations.”
His comments come after when Britain is trying to deepen ties with India. Recently, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited India to launch an exchange program for young professionals to live and work in both countries.
UK visa and immigration expert, Yash Dubal, director of A Y & J Solicitors, predicts that the number of Indian professionals moving to the UK to live and work will continue to rise.
He said: “These numbers are expected to continue rising for two reasons. Firstly, it is a stated UK and Indian government policy to build more links and double trade by 2030. The expected Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the nations will help achieve this aim and should make it easier for Indian nationals to work in the UK. The new youth mobility scheme which opens the door to 3000 extra young professionals from India was introduced this year as part of this aim. Secondly, demographics in India, which is now the world’s most populous nation, mean that the nation’s burgeoning educated younger population are eager to take new opportunities abroad, and the UK is a favoured destination.”
Much of the UK immigration infrastructure is focussed on skilled workers, who make up most work permit holders granted permission to work in the UK. There are several other visa routes available to entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and startups.
