India Pushes for Easier Visa Rules for Skilled Professionals in UK Trade Pact Talks

UK-India Pushes for Easier Visa Rules for Skilled Professionals in UK Trade Pact Talks

India will keep pushing for easier/simpler visa rules for skilled professionals hired by its companies/organizations investing in Britain as it looks to finalize a free trade pact with the UK by end-2023, according to people with knowledge of the matter. ukraine

Two individuals stated that this is in addition to New Delhi’s, persistent demand for additional visas for Indian workers. According to the individuals, India is aware of the administration of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s reluctance to comply with the visa requirements.

The issue of business visas was a major obstacle that caused talks to extend past the October 2022, deadline.

Indian companies/businesses are the second biggest/largest foreign investors in UK, data shows, adding weight to New Delhi’s push for hiring flexibility for its businesses.

British officials are currently holding weeklong talks with Indian officials, during which they are expected to discuss several topics. These include the possibility of implementing a carbon tax on steel imports, addressing rules of origin issues, and exploring options for longer-term work opportunities for Indian students in the UK.

Updates on UK-India Free Trade Agreement Talks

There have been a few shifts in the objectives and timelines for finalizing the pact’s outlines, which are expected to double bilateral trade between the two countries by 2030.

The UK had previously stated that it wanted the deal to be completed by Diwali the previous year. In an effort to move forward with the deal, Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch traveled to India in December. uk time now

The latest/recent round of talks comes as ties between the two countries/nations have been stressed in recent months after the Indian High Commission in London was vandalized and the British Broadcasting Corp. ran a critical/basic documentary about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

At a business event in London on Monday, Sunak discussed the FTA and stated, “It’s part of a broader relationship with India that is growing.”

British officials are currently holding weeklong talks with Indian officials, during which they are expected to discuss several topics. These include the possibility of implementing a carbon tax on steel imports.

addressing rules of origin issues, and exploring options for longer-term work opportunities for Indian students in the UK.

“The UK has been clear in negotiations that trade and immigration are separate policy areas,” according to a spokesperson for the UK’s business and trade department.

Updates and Developments in UK-India Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

The spokesperson continued, “We are discussing temporary business travel within the FTA to allow professionals to deliver services in each other’s markets.” However, commitments regarding immigration will not be included in a free trade agreement with India. ukpsc

India’s Trade Ministry/Exchange Service did not respond to an emailed request for a comment.

Total bilateral trade between India and UK rose more than. 16% to $20.3, billion in 2022-23, according to provisional Indian government data.

two sources, the Indian government plans to raise the issue of a potential levy on imports with a high carbon, footprint during, talks with British officials. However, there are concerns that such a measure could negatively impact India’s metal exports.

Additionally, one of the sources stated that India. is pushing for a longer post-graduation work period for Indian students in the UK, with the aim of allowing them to stay and seek employment for an extended period after, Completing their studies at British colleges and universities.

Currently Indian college graduates can stay in the UK for two years and Ph.D. students can stay for three.

the individuals, India will also continue to advocate for a more equitable social security system for its workers in the UK.  According to the people, current visa regulations prevent Indians and other foreign nationals from contributing more of their wages. to the safety net unless they stay for longer periods.

One person stated that Scotch whisky and lowering automobile import duties are key UK demands.

Richard Mccallum, the group CEO of the UK India Business Council, there is a firm commitment from both sides to conclude the agreement.