The UK India Business Council made detailed submissions to the UK government through two reports titled- “Connecting Skills, Creating Value: Strengthening Labour Mobility between UK and India” and “UK-India Student Mobility: Challenges, Opportunities and Recommendations.” The reports prepared in consultation with universities and businesses, are part of UKIBC’s continued efforts to support a modern, skills-based migration and mobility partnership that delivers mutual benefit to both countries. “We aim to contribute constructively to ongoing discussions around immigration, talent flows, and economic competitiveness,” the forum said,
Labour mobility is a vital pillar of the UK-India partnership—enabling economic growth, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and deepening bilateral collaboration. With the UK Government and Migration Advisory Committee undertaking a comprehensive review of economic migration routes in 2025, and the UK-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations closed, this is a pivotal moment to shape an agile, inclusive, and future-ready mobility framework. UKIBC recommends the following:
- Embedding a formal Skills Mobility Agreement within the UK-India Free Trade Agreement
- Expanding and enhancing the Young Professionals Scheme
- Enhance flexibility in job roles and qualification recognition
- Review and reform visa costs
The UK-India student mobility relationship presents a strategic opportunity for economic development, academic growth and the enhancement of soft power. As the global education landscape becomes increasingly competitive, we suggest, the UK must embrace policy agility, regulatory clarity, and legal certainty to sustain its appeal to Indian students. The report, with a detailed survey, makes a few recommendations:
- Develop a bilateral UK-India Qualifications Recognition Framework, involving regulatory bodies such as Ofqual, UK ENIC, India’s University Grants Commission (UGC), and the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
- Expand on existing initiatives such as the Chevening and GREAT Scholarships by creating a joint UK-India scholarship programme focused on key sectors like STEM, AI, sustainability, and healthcare
- Simplify visa requirements, particularly regarding financial verification and documentation from Indian banks, to facilitate a smoother application process for Indian students
- Expand the range and accessibility of scholarships to attract a broader, more diverse pool of high-potential students from across India, particularly from underrepresented Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
- Student immigration policy that supports genuine learners, while promoting the UK as an attractive destination for education.
Kishore Jayaraman, OBE, Interim CEO, UK-India Business Council, said “The UKIBC understands that the people-to-people connect i.e.- movement of students, professionals, and entrepreneurs between the UK and India strengthens bilateral ties. Student mobility has long been a cornerstone of our bilateral relationship, contributing to educational excellence, cultural exchange, and long-term ties. We urge both governments to safeguard and expand these opportunities, including the Graduate Route, which remains vital for attracting top talent from India. The reports capture our consultations, workshops and survey from our partners, where in we are making pivotal suggestions.
Similarly, labour mobility is equally crucial for businesses on both sides. A forward-looking agreement that enables smoother movement of professionals and skilled workers will not only enhance economic collaboration but also support shared goals in innovation, sustainability, and growth. We look forward to seeing a balanced, ambitious outcome that reflects the dynamic partnership between our two countries.”
