India seeks clarity over proposed changes in UK visa rules

Updated on: Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Concerned over impact of the proposed changes in the British immigration rules on Indian professionals, the Commerce Minsitry has sought several queries from the UK government through diplomatic channels.
   
India is specifically concerned over the proposed changes in UK regarding visas for professionals on temporary visits to Britain.
   
According to the position paper of the UK government, it  s being debated whether a professional under the temporary visa category would be allowed to stay in Britain beyond a year. Also whether the dependents should be allowed there.
   
The Commerce Ministry has sought clarifications on the issue from the British High Commission here through a proper diplomatic note (Note Verbale).
  
"The clarifications from the British High Commission are awaited," a source said.
   
Meanwhile, in his meeting with visiting UK Secretary of State for Justice Kenneth Clarke, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma discussed about the initiatives being proposed in India for giving a boost to the manufacturing sector.
   
The government is working on a new policy aimed at making India a manufacturing hub for global outsourcing.
   
The UK is the fourth largest investor in India with FDI from Britain totaling USD 9.12 billion during April 2000-June 2011.
 
The bilateral trade between the nations in 2010-11 grew by 15.45 per cent to USD 12.33 billion. The trade balance is in the favour of India.
 
Exports from India to UK stood at USD 7.2 billion, while imports were USD 5.15 billion during the last fiscal.    

There are more than 700 Indian companies with investments in the UK about two-thirds are in the ICT and software sector.

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