UK to Relax Visa Regulations in its FTA Discussion with India

Under its Free Trade Agreement with India, the United Kingdom may consider relaxing working visa rules for professionals. The UK is willing to relax some visa rules for Indian professionals, according to Indian officials who requested anonymity because the discussions are private.

However, a British official indicated that any visa relaxations would be limited, as immigration is a politically sensitive topic in the UK.

So far, the UK has refused any changes to its visa and immigration policies under the FTA with India.

India has long sought greater access for its citizens, but the UK's Brexit vote in 2016 was fueled in part by calls for greater control over the number of people entering the country, and immigration remains a contentious issue ahead of the next general election.

Last year, talks between India and the United Kingdom stalled over easier access to thousands of skilled workers, pushing the agreement past the October deadline.

India's stance hardened in response to UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman's concerns about Indian migration.