Skilled Indian workers, who have for many years sought a simpler and faster process for grant of jobs visas, have got a big boost as Theresa May visited India, her first as the British Prime Minister.
Hopes of a breakthrough rose as several leaders told May to reform UK’s visa regime if she wants India to offer preferential trade to Britain. Post-Brexit, May is desperately seeking new trade partnerships, and is expected to offer some concessions to India.
This makes it an opportune time for Indian skilled workers to apply for Tier 2 work visas. The available work visas include the flagship General Visa and Intra-Company Transfer Visa.
UK does not have numerical quotas for foreign skilled workers but the grant of work visas is tied to a number of factors including salary levels. May’s government recently amended visa rules under which anyone applying for visas under Tier 2 intra-company transfer (ICT) category would be required to pay an annual salary of £30,000, up sharply from £20,800.
Several groups have criticised the UK for the move and urged May to review the new salary threshold.
Among those who pressed for a change in UK’s visa regime were: Sir James Dyson, founder of the Dyson company, Cobra beer founder Karan Bilimoria, the Indian IT group Nasscom and Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of the state of Karnataka, where the Indian IT capital Bangalore is located.
Nasscom, or the National Association of Software and Service Companies, urged May to sign an agreement that would allow India’s high-skilled workers to freely access the UK job market.
Elm Rose is a specialist immigration law firm providing outstanding immigration services for individuals and businesses worldwide, and can assist you in applying for Tier 2 visas for foreign skilled workers. Our lead Immigration Consultant, Sohinipreet Alg-Nijjar, has a wealth of experience in UK immigration from having worked in leading London City firms. Call or email us for a free initial assessment without any obligation.
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