India seeks clarity over proposed changes in UK visa rules

New Delhi, Sep 27 (PTI) Concerned over impact of the
proposed changes in the British immigration rules on Indian
professionals, the Indian Commerce Minsitry has sought several
queries from the UK government through diplomatic channels.
India is specifically concerned over the proposed changes
in UK regarding visas for professionals on temporary visits to
Britain.
According to the position paper of the UK government, it
is being debated whether a professional under the temporary
visa category would be allowed to stay in Britain beyond a
year. Also whether the dependents should be allowed there.
The Commerce Ministry has sought clarifications on the
issue from the British High Commission here through a proper
diplomatic note (Note Verbale).
"The clarifications from the British High Commission are
awaited," a source said.
Meanwhile, in his meeting with visiting UK Secretary of
State for Justice Kenneth Clarke, Commerce and Industry
Minister Anand Sharma discussed about the initiatives being
proposed in India for giving a boost to the manufacturing
sector.
The government is working on a new policy aimed at making
India a manufacturing hub for global outsourcing.
The UK is the fourth largest investor in India with FDI
from Britain totaling USD 9.12 billion during April 2000-June
2011.
The bilateral trade between the nations in 2010-11 grew
by 15.45 per cent to USD 12.33 billion. The trade balance is
in the favour of India.
Exports from India to UK stood at USD 7.2 billion, while
imports were USD 5.15 billion during the last fiscal.
There are more than 700 Indian companies with investments
in the UK about two-thirds are in the ICT and software sector.