Britain has significantly reduced the number of work visas issued to Indian professionals. Official data shared by the Indian government in Parliament shows a steep decline, particularly affecting professionals in the healthcare
and IT sectors. Among the hardest hit are nurses, with visa approvals falling by nearly 79 percent to just 2,225.
A breakdown of the decline in visas shows:
| Field/Profession | Visa Decline | Visas Issued under New Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Care | 67% | 16,606 |
| Nursing Profession | 79% | 2,225 |
| IT/Technical Professionals | 20% | 10,051 |
This drop is largely visible after July 2025, following the introduction of stricter visa regulations in the UK.
Reasons Behind the Decline
The decrease in visas is attributed to Britain’s new immigration reforms, which came into effect on July 22, 2025. These reforms aim to reduce net migration into the country. The major changes include:
Higher Salary Thresholds: The minimum salary required for Skilled Worker Visas has increased significantly. Mid-level professionals now find it harder to qualify.
Focus on Higher Skill Levels: Jobs that do not meet the new skill standards are no longer eligible, narrowing opportunities for many professionals.
Restricted Occupations List: The list of eligible roles under the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas has been reduced. Many positions previously critical for healthcare and support services have been excluded.
Tighter Rules for Dependents: Family migration options have become limited, making it harder for professionals to move with their dependents.
In response, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Lok Sabha that these steps reflect Britain’s domestic labor market needs and its broader migration policy.
Impact on Students and Graduate Pathways
The stricter rules are not limited to work visas. International students also face new challenges:
Graduate Route Shortened: The popular Graduate Route visa, which allowed students to stay in the UK for two years after graduation, is being reduced to 18 months.
Stricter Compliance Checks: Higher English language requirements and more rigorous checks are now in place.
Reduced Job-Finding Flexibility: Indian graduates will have less time and fewer options to secure employment after completing their studies.
These changes make the transition from student visas to work visas more difficult than before.
Ongoing India-UK Mobility Talks
Despite these restrictions, discussions between India and the UK on professional mobility continue. The Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, signed in May 2021, is still active.
It includes the Young Professionals Scheme, allowing Indian youth aged 18–30 to live and work in the UK for two years.
Additionally, the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (currently awaiting approval in the UK Parliament) contains provisions to facilitate the movement of professionals between the two countries.
These agreements aim to maintain some opportunities for skilled Indian workers despite the stricter visa rules.
This rewrite keeps all facts intact, adds structure for easier reading, and provides clear context on the impact and ongoing discussions.
