Amid record net migration to UK, why 3K work visas to Indians are justified | Daily News Byte

How severe is the crisis?

Currently, sectors such as hospitality, tourism, technology and the aviation industry are particularly in dire need of skilled workers. According to official data, due to Brexit and the pandemic, 196,000 international workers left the hospitality sector. Many of these were in London.

The problem is so acute that British businesses pointed out to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt last month that failure to tackle workforce shortages could be damaging to the economy in the short and long term.

How is the UK trying to tackle this issue?

Amidst this scenario, the UK is looking abroad to fill this gap and India has become an important country for it for skilled workers. Recently, the UK and India signed a new youth mobility partnership scheme that will offer up to 3,000 visas to young professionals from India to live and work in the UK each year.

Citing the same, Yash Dubal, director of AY&J Solicitors, a London-based visa and immigration specialist, said, “The UK needs skilled workers and the competition to hire them is fierce. Indian IT workers are in high demand, especially because of the close ties between the UK and India. Despite some political concerns about an increase in net migration to the UK and the number of international students and their dependents in the country, the doors are open to skilled workers and the number of skilled worker visas is uncapped.”

Still a few complain…

However, many people seeking work visas have recently cited that the UK immigration system is complex and difficult to navigate, with many rules and criteria to follow.

“Although there are plans to streamline and digitize the system, applying for a UK visa remains a challenge. It is recommended that anyone considering moving to the UK speak to a qualified, registered UK-based legal immigration specialist for assistance.”