Opportunity for Indian chefs, musicians and yoga instructors to obtain UK visas under trade deal

International Indian chef Suresh Pillai launched an International Institute of Culinary & Management in India recently (www.iicmglobal.com)

LONDON May 16: A landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom is set to streamline the movement of various Indian professionals into the UK. The agreement is designed to enhance professional mobility and create new opportunities for skilled individuals from India.

Under the terms of the FTA, contractual service suppliers, business visitors, investors, intra-corporate transferees, and independent professionals such as yoga instructors, musicians, and chefs will find it easier to access the UK market. This development is expected to be particularly beneficial for showcasing India’s rich cultural and culinary heritage on an international stage.

A key feature of the agreement is the exemption from UK social security taxes, like national insurance, for Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK (and their employers) for up to three years. This is part of a Double Contribution Convention, preventing individuals from paying into two countries’ social security systems simultaneously. This is anticipated to result in higher take-home pay for Indian professionals on short assignments and reduced costs for Indian companies, thereby boosting job creation and global competitiveness. The Indian commerce ministry highlighted that this exemption will lead to significant financial gains for Indian service providers and enhance their competitiveness in the UK market.

While the FTA expands the types of jobs highly skilled Indian professionals can apply for under business mobility options, applicants must still provide proof of necessary experience and qualifications. The UK will maintain its strict standards for allowing professionals to work in the country. Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, emphasized in the UK Parliament that the agreement preserves Britain’s existing immigration rules and does not affect the points-based system. He clarified that the deal pertains to business mobility for specific and temporary business purposes, not immigration.

British officials confirmed that Indian employees relocating to the UK would still be subject to salary thresholds for visas and would need to pay the NHS surcharge for immigrant workers, despite the national insurance exemption. Jonathan Reynolds indicated that an existing visa route for some temporary workers, previously not available to India and capped at 1,800 individuals, will now be open to Indian employees.

The FTA is also expected to simplify visa processes and employment regulations, making it easier for Indian professionals to work in the UK and vice versa. This is anticipated to boost bilateral trade and investment by enabling companies to deploy skilled personnel more efficiently.

Who benefits from the FTA?

Contractual Service Suppliers: Professionals like consultants, architects, or tech experts hired for specific overseas projects.
Business Visitors: Individuals visiting for short-term business activities, meetings, or to set up operations.
Investors: Indian entrepreneurs looking to invest or expand their businesses in the UK, and vice versa.
Intra-Corporate Transferees: Employees being transferred between a company’s Indian and UK offices.
Partners and Children of the above: They can now accompany the professionals with the right to work.
Independent Professionals: Individuals such as yoga instructors, chefs, and musicians can now offer their services more easily in the UK.

Key Implications:

Reduced visa complexities for professionals moving from India to the UK.
Faster and smoother relocation for company employees and their families.
Enhanced cultural exchange, particularly for independent artists and chefs.
Improved job opportunities for Indians with globally in-demand skills in sectors like technology, finance, wellness, and hospitality.

Important Considerations:

The FTA does not alter UK immigration rules or its points-based visa system.
It specifically covers temporary business mobility.
Student visas and permanent immigration were not included in this agreement.
The focus is on facilitating short-term, work-related travel, not long-term migration or study.

Experts suggest that while the FTA could open smoother pathways for skilled Indian professionals, particularly in tech and healthcare, the actual gains may be modest due to the politically sensitive nature of immigration in the UK. Unless the FTA adjusts the points-based visa system to specifically favor Indian qualifications, its impact might be more symbolic than substantial. However, the framework lays a positive foundation for future discussions on broader mobility opportunities. The elimination of dual social security contributions is projected to result in savings of approximately 20% for affected professionals, enhancing their purchasing power and providing greater financial flexibility.