UK Confirms Student Visas Excluded from India-UK Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
The UK clarified that student visas will not be included in India-UK Free Trade Agreement talks, focusing only on temporary business mobility visas. Officials emphasized the need for a quality deal rather than haste, while peers urged for swift negotiations due to the economic significance of the agreement.
The United Kingdom has announced that student visas will not be included in the ongoing India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. During a recent debate in the House of Lords, officials clarified that only temporary business mobility visas would be discussed. This information was shared amidst calls for clarity on the negotiations, which resumed following UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds’ visit to New Delhi.
Lord Sonny Leong, acting as Government Whip in the Lords, emphasized that the FTA would focus solely on business mobility, with relevant visas being temporary and specific in nature. He noted the significance of these agreements for UK exporters in terms of delivering services abroad, stating, “On visas… our negotiations consider only business mobility. Student visas are not part of the trade deals.”
Responding to inquiries regarding a timeline for the FTA, Lord Leong indicated that the government prefers to ensure the quality of the deal rather than rush into a completion. He remarked, “The government can sign only once we have secured the right deal for the UK, so we will prioritise the quality of the deal rather than the haste.”
Lord Leong highlighted the substantial value of the bilateral trading relationship, reportedly worth £41 billion last year, and the two-way investment flows sustaining nearly 600,000 jobs in both countries. He stressed the importance of reducing tariffs, particularly on goods such as whisky, which can face rates exceeding 100%.
During the debate, several British Indian peers called for accelerated negotiations, emphasizing the urgency of establishing a trade agreement. Lord Sahota pointed out the potential for economic growth, stating that getting it right would be crucial for shaping the UK’s economic future.
Lord Bilimoria urged the UK to strengthen Indo-Pacific connections by joining the Quad alliance and advocated for concluding the FTA promptly. He argued, “Let us not have the best being the enemy of the good and let us conclude this free trade agreement.”
Baroness Verma advocated for the appointment of trade envoys to India, emphasizing the need for dedicated representation in such a significant market. She remarked on the lack of envoys for India, calling the situation “beyond my understanding.”
The recent discussions between India and Britain reflect cautious optimism, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressing hope that the FTA process will progress swiftly, indicating a desire for the agreement to be finalized without undue delay.
In summary, the UK government has clarified that student visas will not be part of the ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations with India. While focusing on temporary business mobility visas, officials stressed the importance of establishing a quality trade deal rather than rushing to complete the agreement. The potential benefits of this FTA, along with the urgency expressed by parliamentary peers, highlight the significance of bolstering the economic relationship between the two nations.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
