Hassle-free UK visas for Indian biz leaders soon

In an initiative to make getting to the UK an easier and quicker affair, Britain on Wednesday announced plans to introduce a mobile visa service in India that will allow VIPs to have their biometric data and photo taken at their place of work.

Updated on: Nov 7, 2013, 01:48:19 IST

Hindustan Times | By Prasun Sonwalkar, London

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In an initiative to make getting to the UK an easier and quicker affair, Britain on Wednesday announced plans to introduce a mobile visa service in India that will allow VIPs to have their biometric data and photo taken at their place of work.

Britain is also introducing a new visa system for global business leaders amid concerns that moves to tighten immigration rules are deterring high-value individuals from coming to the UK.

Around 100 global business leaders will initially be invited to join the new service called the ‘Great Club’. A UK home office spokesperson told HT the service would start from January 1 and provide swift and smooth service to tycoons with strong links to the UK.

Britain also plans to launch a pilot scheme in south India allowing applicants to retain their passport while their application is considered. The same-day visa service, currently available in India, will likely be expanded to several more key locations by the end of 2014.

The move comes ahead of prime minister David Cameron’s third visit in two years to India on November 14.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Prasun Sonwalkar
Prasun Sonwalkar was Editor (UK & Europe), Hindustan Times. During more than three decades, he held senior positions on the Desk, besides reporting from India’s north-east and other states, including a decade covering politics from New Delhi. He has been reporting from UK and Europe since 1999.Read More

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