As the UK government tabled its ‘radical action’ to clamp down on migration numbers, Indian industry warned of some “unintended consequences” that would drive skilled Indian professionals to alternate economies.
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) is among the industry groups that fears the hike in the minimum salary threshold for professionals applying under the Skilled Worker visa route from £26,200 to £38,700 could make the UK a less competitive economy in the long run.
Shailesh Pathak, FICCI Secretary General, said in a statement: “While all nations decide their immigration policies in accordance with their national interests, on behalf of Indian industry and commerce, FICCI would express our concern that this change by the UK may have unintended consequences.
“The world is looking at highly skilled Indian professionals, especially in IT, engineering and research. Given UK’s increased salary threshold for foreign skilled worker visas, such Indian professionals would almost certainly choose other economies. This would discourage Indian companies doing business in the UK, since such companies employ both British and Indian professionals.
“Thus far, Indian professionals have contributed their expertise to address critical skill shortages in the UK. This may not continue in future – which would be unfortunate for the British economy’s innovation and economic growth. The availability of skilled Indian talent has been a crucial element in enhancing the competitiveness and productivity of various industries in the UK, and needs to be nurtured appropriately.”
On the Health and Care visa changes, the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) is writing to the Home Office for clarity on the ban on dependents.
BAPIO Founder Dr Ramesh Mehta OBE said: “It is extremely unfair if workers are not allowed to bring their family.
“For anyone to provide a satisfactory and good quality care service, they can’t be separated from their own family.”
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And, on student visas, a tally topped by Indian students, the Indian National Students’ Association (INSA) UK expressed its concerns of unfair measures.
INSA UK President said: “In the UK, Indian students are being unfairly targeted because of party politics.
“The Indian students add approximately £25 billion to the UK economy every year, in addition to other contributions. Indian students have a number of options for higher education, but UK universities are dependent on foreign students’ funds to stay afloat financially. INSA shall be taking this matter up with UK authorities to ensure fairness for our students.”
There are also fresh worries around the Graduate route visa, which will be reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
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National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK founder-chair Sanam Arora said: “We are extremely concerned by these announcements as the Graduate route is the No. 1 requirement of Indian students, they want international work experience for some time after their studies not necessarily to immigrate for the long term but to differentiate themselves and for a chance to be able to pay back the hefty loans they took to undertake UK study.
“NISAU fought a seven-year-long battle to bring the Graduate route to the UK, and if anything illogical happens Indian students can rest assured that we will fight for your rights again.”