The UK government is thinking about easing UK work visa regulations for Indian professionals as part of the two nations' Free Trade Agreement (FTA). While conversations have taken place, any such modifications are likely to be restricted due to the politically sensitive nature of the immigration issue in the United Kingdom.
According to reports, Indian authorities have stated that the UK government is willing to discuss changes to UK work visa requirements for skilled Indian employees. These sources, however, highlighted the secrecy of the negotiations and requested anonymity. Negotiations between the two countries have resulted from the evolving dynamics of immigration and trade.
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As the UK and India negotiate their FTA, the UK may propose changes to working visa requirements for Indian professionals. Meanwhile, on August 18, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal announced India's intention to hold bilateral negotiations on FTAs with the UK, the European Union (EU), and Canada during the forthcoming G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting (TIMM) on August 23-25, 2023. He stated that the meetings will also include WTO reforms and trade logistics.
It is important to keep in mind that as part of the FTA discussions with India, the UK has not yet significantly altered its visa and immigration policies.
India and the UK disagreed earlier this year about facilitating skilled Indian workers' travel to the European country. India demanded that the UK must disclose information on Indian business visitors who have overstayed their visas, which put the two nations in conflict. The argument emphasised how important it is for both countries to retain their commitment to collaboration and understanding.
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The UK has recently taken strong moves to reduce immigration into the nation, including restricting possibilities for those who are currently residents. These developments show how closely immigration, commerce, and political sensitivity interact to influence how the UK and India will interact in the future under the FTA.
Source: Mint News
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