The High Commission of India in the UK in partnership with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI UK) and Indian Professionals Forum (IPF) organised an Interactive Session on “Impact of Government Policy on Immigration, Education & Youth Mobility from India” at the India House. The session included a panel discussion reviewing the report and making specific suggestions and recommendation as it affects immigration and attracts key skilled workers from India.
While welcoming the delegates Mr. Manish Singh, Minister (Economic), High Commission of India shared that the large number of Indian Companies that operate in the UK, contribute not just to the GDP but also to the job market. He added that a conducive immigration policy is on the top of the agenda for bilateral discussions between India and UK.
Rt Hon. the Lord Dholakia in his key note address briefly sketched out what the Bill meant in practice, provided background information on the development of policy and also provided additional information on how the Bill would affect existing legislation in this area.Lord Dholakia in his address said that the purpose of Immigration act is not in dispute. It is to admit those who are eligible and to exclude or, subject to appropriate humanitarian principles to remove those who are not.
This was followed by a Panel discussion on the nuances of the white paper moderated by Dr. Mohan Kaul, President, IPF. The distinguished Panel included Ms. Punam Burley, Partner and Head of Employment & Immigration, KPMG, Mr. Loknath Mishra, MD & CEO, ICICI Bank UK PLC, Ms. Jurga McCluskey, Partner & Head Immigration, Deloitte LLP, Mr. Philip Bouvrat, Director, JCB and Ms. Pat Saini, Partner & Head of Immigration, Penningtons Manches LLP.
Dr. Param Shah while giving the concluding remarks thanked the speakers and the panelist for their insights on the immigration white paper and the delegates for their participation. He also gave constructive suggestions that going further FICCI & IPF would be putting together a paper to be submitted to the Home office for their consideration.
Recommendations included continued dialogue between the UK government and Indian Professionals and Businesses including the representatives of UK businesses in India.Delegates said, given the pace of economic development in India the highly skilled professionals prefer not to move from India given the increased opportunities in India. They further said thatIndian businesses in UK and UK businesses in India should be able to move employees freely between the two countries based on the priorities and requirements of business and skills.
The UK immigration policy needsto take in to account the new economic realities and UKgovernment should make immigration policy attractive for Indiantechnology startup companies and entrepreneurs similar to the flow of Indian skills to Silicon Valley.
The event was attended by more than 100 delegates including businesses, policy makers, professionals and media.
