As India and the United Kingdom move closer to sealing their long-anticipated free trade agreement (FTA), Britain is preparing to make only minor adjustments to its visa policies — a topic that has been a major hurdle during negotiations for months.
According to a UK official cited by POLITICO, the updated rules will result in approximately 100 new visas being made available for Indian workers each year. The UK’s Home Office, which has previously resisted making large-scale visa concessions over concerns about rising net migration, will be responsible for implementing these limited changes.
How Many Indian Workers Will Benefit?
When asked about the number of Indian workers who would ultimately benefit from this new visa arrangement, the official declined to provide a specific figure, calling any estimate “purely political.” However, they emphasized that the changes would bring “certainty” for businesses, which have been navigating frequent policy shifts over the past few years.
What Else Is India Negotiating?
India is still pushing for additional concessions before finalizing the deal. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is currently visiting London to advocate for more favorable terms, including exemptions from the UK’s upcoming carbon tax and a mechanism to refund pension contributions made by Indian workers on short-term visas.
India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, mentioned that India is also seeking an agreement to exempt its workers from contributing to the British pension system if they are already enrolled in a pension plan back home.
Aiming to “Make Trade Cheaper”
Commenting on the visa changes, a spokesperson from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade said the government remains “committed to doing the right deal with India” a deal that will open more opportunities for UK businesses, reduce tariffs, and make trade “cheaper and easier.”
Interestingly, POLITICO reported that it is the British side that appears more optimistic about the agreement’s conclusion, quoting a source close to the discussions.
Latest Developments in the India-UK FTA Talks
Piyush Goyal arrived in London on April 28 for two days of intensive meetings aimed at fast-tracking the free trade agreement. During his visit, Goyal held talks with UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to push the negotiations forward and strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
Following the meeting, Goyal posted on social media platform X, emphasizing the importance of the ongoing discussions:
“The Free Trade Agreement talks are vital for expanding our trade relations and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries,” he said, highlighting how both sides are committed to navigating global trade challenges together.
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