Illegal Indian immigrants must return before flexibility on visa: British PM

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Nov 07, 2016: British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday that Britain could show more flexibility in offering visas to Indian visitors if it is possible to step up the pace of returning those who have ‘no right to remain’.

“The UK will consider further improvements to our visa offer if at the same time we can step up the speed and volume of returns of Indians with no right to remain,” May told reporters in New Delhi, referring to the launch of a separate strategic dialogue on home affairs.

A source in May’s office said any improvements would be about the visa process, such as cost and speed, rather than criteria applicants must meet.

She made the pledge after talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at which the two agreed to set up a working group to explore deeper trade and investment between the two countries as Britain prepares to leave the European Union.

The contentious issue of easing visa rules for Indians to enter the UK has figured prominently during May’s visit.

May said a small number of “high net worth” individuals would find it easier to enter Britain as visa restrictions would be relaxed for them.

She said Indian business leaders who frequently visit the UK would be allowed entry under a “registered traveler scheme,” a program that has so far been extended only to citizens of developed countries.

For the rest, she insisted that the UK “already has a good system” for visa applications from India.

Indian officials said the tightening of visa rules was responsible for a sharp decline in the number of Indian students enrolling in British universities.

“We will continue to raise our concerns regarding mobility with the UK,” said Vikas Swarup, spokesman of ministry of external affairs. “Mobility of people is closely linked to free flow of finance, goods and services.”

May arrived in New Delhi late Sunday on her first trip outside of Europe since she became prime minister in July. She was accompanied by trade officials and a large business delegation consisting predominantly of small and medium-sized businesses.