India refutes Braverman’s FTA concerns

INDIA has countered UK home secretary Suella Braverman’s claim that the Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP) had not “worked very well” as Delhi explained India had initiated action on all cases raised with it under the agreement.

In response to a query about Braverman’s interview in the Spectator where she claimed Indians were the “largest group of people who overstay” their visas in the UK, the Indian High Commission in London said India sought “demonstrable progress” on certain commitments undertaken by the UK government under the MMP signed last year.

“As part of our wider discussions under Migration and Mobility, the government of India is committed to working with the government of the UK to facilitate the return of Indian citizens who have overstayed their visa period here in the UK,” the High Commission of India said last Thursday (6). “As per the data shared with the Home Office, as of date, action has been initiated on all of the cases referred to the High Commission.”

On Braverman’s comments about visa-related “reservations” in the free trade agreement (FTA) being negotiated between the two sides, the High Commission noted any future arrangements would be of mutual benefit.

Braverman, who took charge at the Home Office last month, expressed her fears over an “open borders” migration policy.

“I have concerns about having an open borders migration policy with India because I don’t think that’s what people voted for with Brexit,” Braverman told the Spectator.

Asked about visa flexibility for students and entrepreneurs under an FTA, she said: “Look at migration in this country – the largest group of people who overstay are Indian migrants.

“We even reached an agreement with the Indian government last year to encourage and facilitate better cooperation in this regard. It has not necessarily worked very well.”