UKIBC Urges UK to Ease Student Visas, Recognise Indian Qualifications, Expand Scholarships in New Reports

The body has suggested to develop a bilateral UK-India Qualifications Recognition Framework involving Ofqual, UK ENIC, UGC, and AICTE. Build on current scholarship schemes (Chevening, GREAT) by launching a joint UK-India scholarship programme focused on priority areas like STEM, AI, healthcare, and sustainability

The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) has submitted two significant policy reports to the UK government, offering constructive recommendations to improve student and labour mobility between the UK and India.

The reports, titled “Connecting Skills, Creating Value: Strengthening Labour Mobility between UK and India” and “UK-India Student Mobility: Challenges, Opportunities and Recommendations”, reflect consultations with businesses and universities from both countries.

The submissions come at a critical juncture, as the UK Migration Advisory Committee is reviewing economic migration routes and the UK-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations have concluded. UKIBC's recommendations aim to support a modern, skills-driven mobility partnership that promotes mutual economic growth, innovation, and stronger bilateral ties.

Labour Mobility: A Pillar of Bilateral Growth

UKIBC highlights labour mobility as a key pillar in deepening UK-India cooperation. The Council proposes the following measures to shape a more agile and future-ready framework:

Incorporate a formal Skills Mobility Agreement within the UK-India FTA

Expand and upgrade the Young Professionals Scheme

Improve flexibility in job roles and qualifications recognition

Reassess and streamline visa-related costs

These steps, the Council says, would enhance the movement of skilled professionals and support economic goals in both nations.

Enhancing the UK-India Student Mobility Ecosystem

The student mobility report underscores the strategic value of Indian students to the UK’s education and economy. It recommends targeted interventions to sustain the UK’s global education appeal:

Develop a bilateral UK-India Qualifications Recognition Framework involving Ofqual, UK ENIC, UGC, and AICTE

Build on current scholarship schemes (Chevening, GREAT) by launching a joint UK-India scholarship programme focused on priority areas like STEM, AI, healthcare, and sustainability

Simplify student visa processes, particularly financial verification and documentation norms for Indian applicants

Increase the reach and scale of scholarships to support high-potential students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities

The report stresses the importance of maintaining a welcoming immigration policy that supports genuine learners and retains the UK’s position as a top destination for Indian students.

UKIBC Calls for Forward-Looking Mobility Policies

Kishore Jayaraman, OBE, Interim CEO of UKIBC, emphasized the significance of people-to-people connections in fostering bilateral cooperation. “The movement of students, professionals, and entrepreneurs strengthens the UK-India relationship. Student mobility has long been a cornerstone of our engagement, driving academic excellence and long-term connections. We urge both governments to protect and expand such opportunities, including the Graduate Route, which is critical to attracting top Indian talent,” Jayaraman said.

He also noted that smoother professional mobility will bolster collaboration in innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. “Our reports are based on extensive consultations and provide actionable insights for building a balanced and ambitious mobility framework,” he added.

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