Post by : Sameer Farouq

On her trip to India, the UK’s Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra expressed the need for enhanced immigration controls, aimed at curbing the misuse of legal migration pathways. Proposed changes could extend the timeline for permanent residency in the UK to 20 years and lengthen the qualifying period for indefinite leave from five to ten years, intending to improve migrant flow management and safeguard the immigration framework.

Malhotra raised alarms about the increasing number of foreign students applying for asylum following their studies, citing that approximately 16,000 international students sought asylum in the UK last year, with around 15,000 doing so in just the first half of 2025. This trend highlights the exploitation of legal migration avenues, eroding public trust in the system.

While India remains a major contributor of international students to the UK, there has been an 11% decline in the number of Indian students arriving, attributed to stringent immigration policies. This decrease has raised concerns among UK universities that depend heavily on foreign tuition. Malhotra reaffirmed that the UK continues to welcome authentic international scholars, particularly from India, collaborating with universities to ensure students’ intentions are clear.

In July 2025, the UK and India forged a free trade agreement (FTA), which is projected to enhance the UK’s economy by £4.8 billion annually and increase trade between the two nations by £25.5 billion. The FTA also opens avenues for nine UK universities to establish campuses in India, including plans for Liverpool University to set up a branch in Bengaluru in 2026.

Despite these advancements, the UK government is shifting towards a “contribution-based” immigration framework, where a migrant's potential for settlement will hinge on their economic input rather than duration of stay. This shift is part of a larger initiative to bolster border management and immigration efficiency.

Malhotra acknowledged worries regarding how the new immigration measures might affect key sectors like healthcare, which depend on international staff. The government intends to broaden immigration pathways for skilled workers, including nurses and care professionals, many hailing from India. Nonetheless, concerns persist among nursing staff, highlighted by a survey indicating that up to 50,000 nurses could exit the UK if these proposals proceed.

The UK is also intensifying its efforts to shield migrants against visa fraud and exploitation. Malhotra noted ongoing collaboration with Indian law enforcement to share intelligence and combat cross-border visa scams.

In conclusion, the UK government strives to find a balance between enforcing stricter immigration measures and supporting authentic migrants, especially skilled labor, while reinforcing strong educational and trade connections with India.

#Global