LONDON: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday tried to ignore the idea that visa norms would be relaxed for Indians in pursuing a free trade agreement (FTA) with India.
During the weekly prime minister’s question session at the House of Commons, Johnson was asked by one of his conservative party parliamentarians, Sir Edward Leigh, if the relaxation of visa control from India was in work.
“I did not recognize the account provided at all.
We did not make free trade transactions on that basis,” Johnson said.
Leigh said in Commons, “apparently the government thought of calming visa control from India to get a free trade agreement.
While free trade transactions are very valuable in themselves, we should not be held for ransom.” “Did he agree with me that our new worker class voter who chose Brexit did not choose to replace immigration from Europe with more immigration from all over the world …
Will he convince us that he was determined to be connected to our supporters and controls.
Immigration, “he replied.
The question follows the report that International Trade Secretary UK Anne-Marie Trevelly is expected to travel to New Delhi later this month to start FTA talks and is expected to offer a visa scheme similar to the agreed upon as part of the UK FTA with Australia.
Such schemes will allow Indians the opportunity to come and work in England for up to three years.
Other reported options considered to cut visa fees for students and allow them to live in England for a certain period of time after they graduate.