Lok Sabha Question No. 2198 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Impact of UK Immigration Restrictions
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Kunduru Raghuveer

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2198 ANSWERED ON- 12/12/2025 IMPACT OF UK IMMIGRATION RESTRICTIONS

## 2198.  SHRI KUNDURU RAGHUVEER

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

(a)  whether new UK immigration restrictions have reduced work visas for Indians, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the impact thereof on healthcare workers & IT professionals;

- (c) whether revised mobility agreements are being negotiated and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the safety and grievance mechanisms for workers in Gulf countries?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a & b) The UK government has undertaken policy changes since 2024 to reduce net migration into the UK. The most recent policy changes targeting the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visa routes were announced in the Immigration White Paper and implemented on 22 July 2025. These policy changes have resulted in fewer work visas issued to healthcare workers as well as IT professionals.

According   to   the   UK   Home   Office   statistics,   in   the   year   ending September 2025, the total number of  health and care worker visas issued   decreased   by   67%   to   16,606;   visas   issued   to   Nursing Professionals   decreased   by   79%   to   2,225;   visas   issued   for   IT Professionals decreased by 20% to 10,051.

(c) India and UK have already signed Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) in May 2021. Both sides continue to engage on the issue of skilled mobility as also on illegal migration. Young Professional Scheme under MMPA offers a visa route to young Indian professionals (between age 18 and 30) to live and work in the UK for up to two years and vice-versa. Further, the recently signed India - UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) contains provisions for mutual recognition   and   professional   mobility.   The   agreement   is   under ratification process in the UK Parliament.

(d) The Government of  India accords highest priority to  the   safety, protection   and   well-being   of   Indian   workers   abroad.   There   are established   channels   to   enable   them   to   reach   out   to   the Embassy/Consulate in case they need any assistance. They can contact the   Embassy/Consulate   through   walk-in,   email,   multilingual   24x7 emergency numbers, WhatsApp numbers, grievance redressal portals like MADAD/CPGRAMS/eMigrate, and social media etc. Dedicated Labour Wings for handling   such   matters   are   there   in   Indian   Missions/Posts abroad, where there is a sizable number of Indian emigrant workers. Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra has been set up in key locations such as New Delhi, Dubai, Riyadh and Jeddah to provide guidance and counselling   to   the   Indian   workers.   Indian   Missions/Posts   regularly organize  Open Houses and Consular Camps in remote areas to get feedback from Indian workers residing in such areas and to address their grievances, if  any. On receipt of  complaint from or on behalf  of  the emigrant, the same is taken up pro-actively with concerned Foreign Employer (FE) and the work place of the aggrieved worker is also visited, if   required. The complaints pertaining to employment issues are also taken up with the local labour department and other relevant authorities of the host country for prompt redressal.

Further, as additional safeguard for protection and safety of the female workers   (including   domestic   sector   workers),   Government   has authorized only State run Recruiting Agencies (RAs) to recruit Indian female   workers   holding   ECR   category   passports   for   overseas employment in Gulf  and other notified ECR Countries through the eMigrate Portal. Moreover, there is a minimum age criterion of 30 years for   female   workers   holding   ECR   category   passport   for   overseas employment in notified ECR countries, in order to protect them against exploitation. The Embassy/Consulate also utilizes the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) from time to time to provide financial and legal assistance   to   Indian   nationals   in   distress   on   a   means-tested   basis. Under ICWF, the major assistance includes Boarding & Lodging, Air Passage   to   India,   Legal   Assistance,   Emergency   Medical   Care, Transportation of Mortal Remains to India, and Payment of Small Fines and Penalties.

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