Government seals trade pact with UK: Tariffs cut, savings for Indians on work visas

Government seals trade pact with UK: Tariffs cut, savings for Indians on work visasUK deal will boost trade, investments & growth in both economies, says PM ModiNEW DELHI: In a breakthrough after three years of intense talks, India and UK announced a trade deal Tuesday, covering tariff elimination for 99% of Indian exports, while allowing duty cuts on 90% tariff lines.The two countries agreed on a double contribution convention that'll exempt Indian employees on temporary work visas from making social security contributions for three years, helping them save around 20% of their salary. Over 60,000 IT workers can gain around Rs 4,000 crore, govt estimates suggested.Govt has secured significant commitments for service suppliers in digitally-delivered services, specially professional services such as architecture, engineering, computer-related services and telecom, apart from professionals such as yoga instructors, musicians and chefs, officials said.PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that trade deal with the UK will boost economic activity in the country, while creating new opportunities for Indian businesses and MSMEs. He sought to position the agreement as part of a broader economic strategy.Pointing to trade agreements signed by UAE, Australia, and Mauritius in recent years, Modi, at an event organised by ABP Network, said, "India is not just undertaking reforms but is actively engaged with the world to become a vibrant trade and commerce hub. "Apart from opening new markets through free trade agreements (FTAs), govt is also seeking to create opportunities for Indian companies to be part of the global value chain.PM Modi further said that the deal with the United Kingdom will help catalyse trade, investment, growth and job creation in both the economies.He emphasised that this agreement between two major open-market economies will add a new chapter in trade and economic cooperation, benefiting the development of both nations. He noted that this is great news for India's youth, as it will boost economic activity and open new opportunities for Indian businesses and MSMEs.Earlier in a social media post, Modi said, "These landmark agreements will further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies."

Source:The Times

May 07, 2025 10:19 UTC


UK plans crackdown on misuse of study, work visas for asylum claims

Live EventsYou Might Also Like: UK set to restrict visas for nationalities most likely to claim asylumYou Might Also Like: India, UK drop key demands in FTA talks to respect mutual sensitivities: OfficialYou Might Also Like: UK's Keir Starmer accepts PM Modi's invitation to visit IndiaThe UK government on Tuesday said that it is building intelligence around foreign nationals who abuse study and work visa grants to go on to claim asylum in the country, a category led by Pakistanis. The UK Home Office has not revealed details around the expected crackdown, first reported in 'The Times', with more on the plans expected to be laid out in its proposed 'Immigration White Paper' later this month.However, official government statistics reveal that the largest increase in asylum claims came from Pakistani nationals, rising 79 per cent in the last year to 10,542. "To tackle abuse by foreign nationals who arrive on work and study visas and go on to claim asylum, we are building intelligence on the profile of these individuals to identify them earlier and faster," a Home Office spokesperson said. "We keep the visa system under constant review and where we detect trends, which may undermine our immigration rules, we will not hesitate to take action. Under our Plan for Change, our upcoming 'Immigration White Paper' will set out a comprehensive plan to restore order to our broken immigration system," the spokesperson said.

Source:The Times

May 07, 2025 06:22 UTC


Tags
Finance      African Press Release      Lifestyle       Hiring       Health-care       Online test prep Corona       Crypto      Vpn      Taimienphi.vn      App Review      Company Review      Game Review      Travel      Technology     
  

Loading...

                           
/* -------------------------- overlay advertisemnt -------------------------- */