London mayor bats for change in UK govt’s visa policy

Continuing his criticism of the UK government’s strict visa norms, visiting London Mayor Sadiq Khan said they were revising policies like “for post-study work visas”.

“We are putting together a proposal to the government, to revise policies like for post-study work visas,” Khan said at an event here.

Reiterating his criticism of the stringent visa norms, Khan said he was “lobbying” with the British government to revise the policy, to help attract more trade and investment to the UK capital.

Terming the visa policy of the Theresa May government as a “huge mistake”, Khan said, “On the one hand, the British government is asking Indian businesses to trade there and on the other hand, they have made it more tough with strict visa norms.”

The London mayor on Sunday began his first official tour to three Indian cities beginning from the commercial capital of the country. He will also visit Delhi and Amritsar with a view to strengthen London’s trade ties. “We are looking to foster new and meaningful ties, not only in business but also in areas like education and culture,” Khan said.

Referring to the thriving Indian diaspora in the British capital, he said, “London’s Indian diaspora has been a huge contributor, be it in the areas of technology, finance, art or culture.”