Indians top UK visas list

NEARLY 118,000 Indian students received a visa to study in the UK in the year ending June 2022, an 89 per cent rise from the previous year, the British High Commission said in New Delhi last Thursday (25).

India has now overtaken China as the country with the most sponsored study visas in the UK.

The UK also remains a popular destination for Indian holidaymakers, with the highest proportion (28 per cent) of visitor visas granted, the high commission added. More than 258,000 Indians received visit visas in the year ending June 2022, a 630 per cent increase compared to the previous year, when Covid travel restrictions were still in place.

It said Indians continue to be the top nationality granted skilled worker visas, accounting for 46 per cent of all skilled work visas granted globally.

“I am delighted that Indian nationals were issued the largest number of UK study, work and visitor visas in the year ending June 2022. More strength to the unique living bridge that connects our people,” Alex Ellis, the British high commissioner to India, said.