UK-India FTA soon, adds more visas for Indian workers
India and the United Kingdom seem to be closer than ever before to signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a milestone that will make it easier for Indian workers to secure visas. It may not be a big deal to say the UK may add around 100 more visas for Indian skilled professionals annually. But it is seen as a significant shift in policy and fulfils some immediate needs for Indian businesses. India is seeking other provisions in the FTA, discussed during the visit 28 April 2025 of India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Among them, are exemptions from the UK’s proposed carbon tax, refund mechanism for pension contributions by short-term Indian workers, exemption from contributing to UK pensions for Indian workers who already pay into India’s system. Goyal met with the new UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and both sides said the FTA was being finalised soon. The UK Department for Business and Trade has said that the UK is committed to doing the right deal with India to boost Indian market access for UK businesses, reduce trade tariffs of UK goods and services, and simplify cross-border transactions.
India and the United Kingdom seem to be closer than ever before to signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a milestone that will make it easier for Indian workers to secure visas. It may not be a big deal to say the UK may add around 100 more visas for Indian skilled professionals annually. But it is seen as a significant shift in policy and fulfils some immediate needs for Indian businesses. India is seeking other provisions in the FTA, discussed during the visit 28 April 2025 of India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Among them, are exemptions from the UK’s proposed carbon tax, refund mechanism for pension contributions by short-term Indian workers, exemption from contributing to UK pensions for Indian workers who already pay into India’s system. Goyal met with the new UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and both sides said the FTA was being finalised soon. The UK Department for Business and Trade has said that the UK is committed to doing the right deal with India to boost Indian market access for UK businesses, reduce trade tariffs of UK goods and services, and simplify cross-border transactions.
