Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has clarified that his government will not offer additional visa access for highly skilled Indian workers under the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), stressing that the deal is aimed at business and investment rather than new migration pathways.
Starmer Pushes Back On Visa Demands
During his two-day visit to India, Starmer addressed journalists on a flight to Mumbai, stating, “The visa situation hasn’t changed with the Free Trade Agreement — we didn’t open up more visas. The issue is not about visas — it’s about business-to-business engagement and investment and jobs and prosperity coming into the United Kingdom.”
While the FTA includes provisions for temporary business travel, India’s push for expanded visa access was not accepted. Starmer added that his government had “un-blocked” previous negotiation hurdles but maintained the status quo on migration.
Political Pressure Drives Immigration Stance
Starmer’s Labour government is facing intense domestic pressure to curb immigration, especially as the anti-migrant Reform UK party gains popularity. Proposed measures include extending the residency period before migrants can apply for indefinite leave to remain and tying permanent status to an individual’s “contribution” to the UK.
These policies have sparked concerns that skilled workers may turn to other countries with simpler settlement pathways. Business groups like the Confederation of British Industry have warned that labour shortages could worsen without a more flexible migration system.
Business Leaders Urge Flexibility
Rain Newton-Smith, CEO of the Confederation of British Industry, and Bill Winters, CEO of Standard Chartered, who are part of the Mumbai trade delegation, have cautioned against overly restrictive immigration policies. Winters warned that limiting access could harm London’s talent pool.
When asked whether the UK would seek to attract highly skilled professionals deterred by US President Donald Trump’s recent $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike, Starmer said, “Where there is very top talent across the globe, I want to have top talent in the United Kingdom, to help us grow our economy.”
