No discrimination against India in new visa system: UK

Britain on Monday assured India that there will be no discrimination against Indian professionals in the new point-based system for work visa.

In a meeting with Minister of State for Industry Ashwani Kumar here, Duke of York and Special Representative of UK's Department of Trade and Investment Andrew Albert Christian Edward said there would be "no discrimination against Indian professionals for work visas in the UK".

Kumar hoped that the new visa system would give greater fairness to Indian professionals for entry in the UK.

The new point-based system for managing migration would ensure only workers with skills to benefit Britain's economy come to the UK and put in place a licensing system for businesses who want to recruit from overseas.

Both sides also stressed on the need to increase business contacts between SMEs, service sectors, education as well as skill upgradation.

Referring to the overall outward investment profile of the UK, Edward said there is tremendous scope for an exponential growth in trade as well as investments.

He further said he hoped India will take next level of steps for improved market access.

UK is the third largest investor in India with cumulative FDI of 4.13 billion dollars. Indian investment in the UK during 2006-07 in 76 projects generated 1450 jobs making it one of the major investors.

Total investment in these 76 projects was to the tune of over two billion dollars in sectors like telecom and IT.