India's reaction to UK minister's 'Indian diaspora overstayers' remarks

 India's reaction to UK minister's 'Indian diaspora overstayers' remarks

"I worry about an open border migration policy with India because I don't think people voted for Brexit," he said.

London:

India has opposed UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman's claim that the Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP) "didn't do a very good job", saying India had initiated action on all matters raised with it under the agreement Was.

Responding to a PTI query about Braverman's interview in 'The Spectator', in which Indians were branded as the "largest group" of people who are overstaying their visas in the UK, the Indian High Commission here Said India awaits "clear progress" on certain commitments. This was done by the UK government under the MMP which was signed last year.

The High Commission of India said, "As part of our broader discussion under Migration and Mobility, the Government of India is committed to working with the Government of the UK to facilitate the return of Indian nationals who have entered the UK on their visas here. period has expired." statement said on Thursday.

"According to data shared with the Home Office, as of now, action has been initiated on all matters referred to the High Commission. In addition, the UK has also to meet certain commitments as part of the Migration and Mobility Protocol Work done, on which we look forward to clear progress."

In reference to Ms Braverman's controversial comments about having visa-related "reservations" on the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the two sides, the High Commission said any future arrangements would be of mutual benefit.

"While some issues related to mobility and migration are under discussion as part of these negotiations, it cannot be appropriate to comment on these matters, as the negotiations are ongoing, and in any arrangement in the interest of both sides." issues will be involved." High Commission said.

Ms Braverman, an Indian-origin minister who took charge at the Home Office last month, said she was "concerned" over the FTA with India, fearing what she dubbed an "open borders" migration policy.

"I worry about an open border migration policy with India because I don't think people voted for Brexit," Braverman told the British weekly news magazine.

Asked about visa flexibility for students and entrepreneurs under the India-UK FTA, he said: "But I have some reservations. Look at migration in this country - the largest group of people who are Indian expatriates "

"We also entered into an agreement with the Indian government last year to encourage and facilitate better cooperation in this regard. It is not necessarily a very good job," he said.

Ms Braverman's argument that the MMP hasn't done a great job is seen as a clear indication that she may withhold cabinet support for any visa concessions for India as part of the FTA.

This would put him on a collision course with his boss, Liz Truss, who would approach the Diwali deadline for an FTA as one of his major trade deals with India since taking over as British prime minister. Eager to stick to. Diwali is falling on 24th October this year.

On the Indian side, ease of mobility for students and professionals has always been an important aspect of any business deal.