Changed UK immigration rules won’t hit Indians-UK High Commissioner

United Kingdom, 24th May: Latest changes to UK immigration norms will not have any impact on the Indian skilled workers wanting to move to the UK.

This has been affirmed by UK High Commissioner James Bevan.

No effect on Indian skilled workers--Bevan allayed all fears of Indian skilled workers regarding changes introduced to UK immigration rules. The changes are, affirmed Bevan, for reducing the inflow of foreigners keeping in view the tough economic conditions in the UK.

The UK is very much open to foreign workers, including Indians, he said, while reacting to several reports concerning Britain closing down its doors on Indians, among others.

Moreover, the new rules framed by the UK government are aimed to stop all undocumented immigrants coming to the UK, he clarified.

The UK is a welcoming nation and wants to attract the brightest and the best global talent.

High rate of UK visa approvals for Indians--In the year 2011,the approval rate for Indian businessmen wanting to come to the UK is stated to be a whopping 95 percent for a total of 60,000 UK business visas.

Moreover, the total number of UK visas issued to Indian students is said to be 30,000, stated Bevan, while quoting official statistics. And this shows an approval rate for UK visa applicants to be around 75 percent, he maintained.

Quoting the official figures for the record number of UK visitor visas approved last year, Bevan further informed that nearly 95 percent of the total 2.5 lakh Indians were issued UK visas. So, all these figures are sufficient evidence that the UK is still a welcoming nation for Indians wanting to come there.

He maintained that the UK is welcoming skilled immigrants from India. These include IT professionals among others, he quipped.

Recently, the UK immigration had allowed foreign IT professionals to come to the UK under ICT (intra company transfer) by making an exception to its regular norms, he stated.

UK keen for partnerships in education, English language teaching—Bevan said the UK is very keen to have partnerships with Indian in English language teaching and education.

He also added of plethora of innovation and research opportunities in the UK. Biotech, healthcare and life sciences were other fields where India and the UK could work together, he hinted.