Tough Stance On Indian Visas

Recently there has been a significant rise in the number of Indians seeking opportunities abroad, with popular destinations including the UK, US, and Canada.

What makes these countries favourable destinations is the appeal of better career prospects, quality education, higher standards of living, and more inclusive societal frameworks.

Taking a look at the figures, as of 2023, over 18 million Indians were living abroad, making India one of the largest diaspora populations in the world; for many, the desire to migrate is driven by the search for financial security, higher education, and a more liberal environment.

The Allure of the West

The US remains a major destination, especially for skilled professionals in IT, engineering, and healthcare sectors and H-1B visas have long been a gateway for Indian tech talent.

Simultaneously, the UK’s Graduate Route and Canada’s Express Entry program have facilitated smoother transitions for those seeking permanent residency or work permits.

Canada, in particular, has emerged as a top choice for Indians due to its multicultural society and relatively simpler immigration processes.

Emerging Restrictions and Challenges

However, with the rise in demand for immigration to these destinations, new restrictions have emerged, creating hurdles for aspiring migrants.

In the US, under the Biden administration, there has been a growing focus on reforming immigration policies. While H-1B visa programs have not been eliminated, changes in visa lottery systems, stricter scrutiny on visa extensions, and a focus on protecting American jobs have made it harder for skilled workers to secure employment in the US.

There’s also been increased scrutiny on students applying for visas, with many facing rejections for reasons tied to a perceived intent to stay beyond their visa period.

The UK, once known for its open doors to Indian students and workers, has seen the introduction of more stringent immigration rules. Recent changes include higher visa fees, a higher threshold for skilled workers to qualify for entry, and restrictions on bringing family members under certain visa categories.

These measures aim to control immigration numbers and prioritize domestic employment.

Canada, while remaining relatively welcoming, has also seen tightening immigration policies. Its Points-Based System is becoming more competitive, with higher thresholds for education, skills, and language proficiency.

Moreover, the Canadian government is also closely monitoring international student numbers to manage the strain on housing and public services, which has affected many Indian students’ ability to secure study visas.

Top Tory Contender Robert Jenrick Says….

Robert Jenrick, one of the four remaining candidates to replace Rishi Sunak as leader of the Conservative Party, has vowed to “severely restrict visas” to countries that refuse to accept the return of illegal migrants, particularly targeting India and Vietnam.

He claimed that while 250,000 visas were granted to Indian nationals in 2023 for work, visits, and study, an estimated 100,000 Indians currently reside illegally in the UK, and “returns remain stuck in the hundreds.”

Plans for Increased Deportations

Jenrick outlined a five-point plan aimed at achieving a fivefold increase in the number of deportations of individuals living illegally in the UK, proposing that total removals could surpass 100,000 per year.

“It is time to play hardball with these countries and refuse to issue visas until they agree to take back their citizens who are living illegally in the UK,” he stated.

This comes in the wake of a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the UK and India, designed to facilitate the return of illegal Indian nationals. However, in 2023, only 22,807 illegal migrants were removed from the UK, with Indian nationals making up 15% of this total (3,439 individuals).

Visa and Aid Conditionality

In his remarks, Jenrick emphasized that the UK government must impose severe restrictions on visas and foreign aid to countries that do not comply with repatriation requests.

He named Iraq, Somalia, and Afghanistan as other nations that have benefitted from UK aid but have not cooperated on returns.

“The government must stop other countries exploiting our generosity by imposing severe visa restrictions and restricting foreign aid to countries that do not take back their nationals living here illegally,” he asserted.

In May 2021, the UK and India signed an agreement to facilitate the return of illegal Indian nationals. In 2023, 22,807 illegal migrants were deported, including 3,439 Indians. Jenrick aims to increase total deportations to over 100,000 per year.

He said, “The govt must stop other countries exploiting our generosity by imposing severe visa restrictions and restricting foreign aid to countries that do not take back their nationals living here illegally.”

Impact on Indian Aspirants
These new restrictions have caused frustration among many Indians who aspire to better lives abroad.

The dream of working or settling in the US or the UK now feels less attainable, with aspirants facing longer processing times, visa rejections, and uncertainty over long-term residency.

For Indian students, rising education and visa costs, combined with stricter post-study work visa rules, mean that their return on investment for studying abroad is no longer guaranteed.

How To Manage Future Migration Pathways

In response to these challenges, Indian professionals and students are diversifying their migration strategies.

Many are now looking at alternatives such as Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and even emerging economies in Southeast Asia, where the migration barriers are comparatively lower.

Indian businesses are also increasingly setting up shop in these countries to facilitate smoother international relocations for their employees.

This shifting pattern stresses the complexness of global migration today, where economic aspirations and international policy intersect in ways that directly impact millions of lives.

For many Indians, while migration remains a dream, weaving through the tightening policies of favoured destinations will continue to be a significant challenge in the years to come.