May can’t have it both ways

To boost trade, Britain should make visas easier for Indians

The resonance of ‘UK visa’ is rooted in our history, but the outlook is now more global and Indians have a wider choice. The perception that Britain is no longer a welcoming destination has driven thousands of Indians elsewhere; the realisation that this is Britain’s loss rather than India’s is

ourtake reflected in official interaction. Britain itself is undergoing major changes, with immigration at the heart of the Brexit conundrum. The Leave vote was mainly driven by large-scale immigration from within the European Union in the last decade, but the ruling Conservatives have promised in its manifesto to “bear down” on non-EU immigration as well, notwithstanding promises made by leading lights of the Theresa May government that it will be possible to ease visa curbs for Indians and Commonwealth citizens after Brexit is complete. Ms May is expected to win the June 8 election, and has already indicated to this newspaper that no relaxation of visa terms is likely.

Recent statistics paint a more complex picture: In 2016, the largest number of voluntary returns of those without right to be in Britain were Indians; the highest number of work visas issued were to Indians; the biggest drop in international students coming to Britain for higher studies was from India; some of the highest number of foreign nationals caught abusing the British visa system are Indians; and the highest number of British visas granted during 2016 was to Indians (and Chinese). India has also eased the process and lowered costs through the e-visa system for British nationals but without similar gestures for Indians seeking British visas.

The quality and nature of migration from India to Britain has changed: From semi-skilled workers to IT and other professionals working in multinational companies in recent decades. The key challenge for Theresa May will be reconciling the mobility issue (visa) for professionals during talks for a free trade agreement with India after Brexit, for which she has shown much enthusiasm. It cannot be the case that you want our trade and money, but make it difficult for professionals to move and work.