India: Reciprocal UK-India Young Professional Scheme Open
March 1, 2023
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At a Glance
- The High Commission of India in the United Kingdom has opened the reciprocal Young Professional Scheme and published related regulations on its website.
- The scheme is reciprocal – nationals of each country can apply to live, travel and work in each other’s country.
The situation
The Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom has announced the opening of the Young Professional Scheme, under which successful applicants can live and work in India for two years under a multiple-entry visa. The scheme is reciprocal with the United Kingdom.
A closer look
- Program details. The scheme is open to UK nationals between 18-30 years old who have a bachelor’s degree level or above, at least (the equivalent of) INR 250,000 held for at least 30 days at the time of the submission of the application, and who have no children below 18.
- Application details. Applications can be submitted in person following the scheduling of an appointment in London. The application fee is GBP 720. The government processing time has not been published, but it can be assumed that since employment visas are processed faster than other types of visas, applications under this scheme will be processed relatively quickly.
- Work limits. Entrants under the scheme cannot work in certain occupations and sectors (such as telecommunications, human rights and government projects, among other sectors).
- Registration. Entrants under the scheme must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer/Foreigners Registration Office within 14 days of arrival.
Impact
The scheme provides a specific entry pathway for qualifying UK nationals and reciprocal opportunities for Indian nationals to travel to the United Kingdom.
Background
The Young Professionals Scheme is part of the UK-India Mobility and Migration Partnership, signed in May 2021, which includes commitments to enhance migration arrangements and efforts to strengthen cooperation around immigration violations between India and the United Kingdom.
Looking ahead
This could be the start of further immigration agreements between the United Kingdom and India and the foundation for future trade agreements. We will track and report future developments.
Fragomen in India is Fragomen Immigration Services India (Pvt) Ltd., operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm in India. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
