Student Visas Excluded from India-UK Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
The UK government has announced that student visas will not be included in the India-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiations, which will instead focus on temporary business mobility visas. During a House of Lords debate, peers emphasized the urgency of finalizing the FTA to enhance economic relations, while Lord Sonny Leong stated that quality of the agreement is a priority over haste.
In recent discussions regarding the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), it was clarified by the UK government that only temporary business mobility visas will be included, leaving student visas outside the scope of these negotiations. This announcement was made during a House of Lords debate, where peers sought further insight into the ongoing talks that resumed after a visit from UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to New Delhi last month.
Lord Sonny Leong, acting as Government Whip, highlighted the multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship between India and the UK. He stated that the negotiations are strictly focused on business mobility, emphasizing the limited and temporary nature of relevant business visas, which serve specific purposes. Notably, he remarked, “On visas… our negotiations consider only business mobility… Student visas are not part of the trade deals.”
The discussion in the House of Lords also touched upon calls for expediting the FTA process. Lord Leong reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing the most advantageous deal for the UK rather than rushing the negotiations. He noted that last year’s bilateral trade was valued at GBP 41 billion, with significant contributions to jobs on both sides. He stated, “we will prioritize the quality of the deal rather than the haste with which we can secure it.”
Addressing the urgency for a timely conclusion to the trade talks, several British Indian peers voiced their perspectives during the debate. Lord Sahota stressed the importance of trade in achieving economic growth and expressed concern for the future if negotiations stall. He urged the government: “I urge the government to move swiftly, be bold, and ensure that Britain is at the heart of the fastest-growing region in the world.”
Moreover, Lord Bilimoria emphasized the advantages of joining the Quad alliance, comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia, and urged the government not to delay in finalizing the FTA. He pointed out that “three Diwalis have gone by since we started these negotiations, so please let us set a deadline… let us conclude this free trade agreement.”
Baroness Verma called for the appointment of dedicated trade envoys to strengthen British efforts in India, noting the absence of such support in a nation of India’s size. She stated, “it is beyond my understanding why we do not have dedicated envoys for a country as big as India from the UK.”
In a recent update from the UK, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed cautious optimism following discussions regarding the FTA. He noted a consistent interest from British officials in advancing the negotiations, stating, “I got a consistent message that the British side is also interested in moving forward.”
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement discussions are poised to shape trade dynamics and economic opportunities between the two nations, albeit with the understanding that student visas will not be included in the agreement.
The UK government has officially confirmed that student visas will not be part of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiations, which will focus solely on temporary business mobility visas. As discussions continue, British lawmakers emphasize the importance of expediting the process in order to capitalize on potential economic benefits. The ongoing negotiations highlight the complexities involved in reaching a comprehensive trade agreement that serves the interests of both nations.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
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