Planned British visa curbs: Ficci voices concern, urges caution

LONDON: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) on Wednesday expressed concern over the British government’s plans to curb visas for Indian

LONDON: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) on Wednesday expressed concern over the British government’s plans to curb visas for Indian and other non-EU professionals and students in a post-Brexit Britain.

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The plans, announced by home secretary Amber Rudd in the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham last week, evoked sharp reactions, particularly in view of promises made by pro Brexit leaders before the June 23 referendum of an easier visa regime for India and other Commonwealth countries.

Urging the British government to exercise caution, Ficci said in a statement that implementing the plans will impact business mobility and competitiveness, even as London mayor Sadiq Khan reiterated his call to Indian companies that his city remained open for business.

More than 900 Indian companies use London and Britain as a base to access the European market. Khan sounded the pro-business note at a meeting with representatives of 17 Indian companies that have a presence in London and the deputy mayor for business, Rajesh Agarwal.

Khan said: “London is open for investment and business from around the globe and the city already has an excellent trading relationship with India. I am looking forward to meeting with leading Indian businesses to reassure them that our great city remains open to the best global talent.”

A Ficci survey in July revealed concern among its members over a dip in export realisations, additional compliance to competition regulations, rise in operating costs of doing business and possible curbs on immigration.