UK to Hold Firm on Visa Rules for India, Says Starmer

MUMBAI— Amid efforts to deepen economic ties with India, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has asserted that the UK will not relax its visa rules for Indian professionals and students. Starmer's statement comes as he embarks on a two-day trade mission to India, aiming to leverage the recently signed free trade agreement (FTA) between the two nations.

Speaking to reporters en route to Mumbai, Starmer emphasized that the FTA would remain focused on trade and investment, with no plans to expand visa access for Indian nationals. "That isn't part of the plans," he stated, adding that the purpose of the visit was to capitalize on the already established free trade agreement. He stressed that the core issue was business engagement, investment, and job creation within the United Kingdom, not visa liberalization.

Starmer's stance reflects domestic political considerations within the UK. His Labour Party is facing competition from the Reform UK party, and he is treading carefully on immigration, a focal point after recent protests in the UK. He insisted that while the UK seeks top talent from around the world, there are no plans to create a new route for Indian tech professionals, particularly after the United States tightened its H-1B visa regime.

The FTA between the UK and India was signed in July 2025, after three years of negotiations. While the agreement introduces provisions for the temporary entry of Indian professionals into the UK under specific categories, such as contractual service suppliers, independent professionals, and intra-company transferees, it does not alter the UK's approach to long-term immigration or settlement. The UK government forecasts the deal will increase annual bilateral trade by £25.5 billion by 2040 and contribute £4.8 billion to the UK economy each year in the longer term.

One notable aspect of the agreement is the introduction of a social security agreement, known as the Double Contributions Convention. This allows employees temporarily working between the UK and India to continue paying into their home country's social security system for up to three years, reducing costs for employers sending staff to India or receiving secondees from Indian headquarters.

During his visit, Starmer is accompanied by a delegation of over 100 British business, cultural, and academic leaders, including representatives from major companies like Rolls-Royce, the London Stock Exchange, and British Airways. He is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss global and regional issues and promote the trade deal.

Starmer also addressed concerns about deportation and security cooperation with India, calling it a "non-issue" due to the existing returns agreement between the two countries. He noted that the UK is considering linking visas to returns agreements.

Meanwhile, ahead of Starmer's visit, the UK government announced changes to visa and settlement rules following the 2025 immigration white paper. These changes may impact international students, including those from India, by making it harder for universities to sponsor student visas and potentially reducing the duration of graduate visas.