Working abroad helps individuals learn about different cultures, philosophies, values, and beliefs practised by people all over the world. Being immersed in a new setting makes it easier to acquire cultural sensitivity than it would be at home. Overseas work experience widens one’s horizon, helps advance their personal growth, and enables one to be a global community member. One can get more comfortable dealing with individuals of diverse backgrounds and become more accepting of different points of view and ideas. These are qualities employers look for in their employees. However, relocating to another country for work is not always that simple. Most of us dream of an international opportunity, but the complexity of immigration and the unpredictability of job discourages us from even trying.
The good news is that the United Kingdom, formerly highly conservative on immigration, is becoming more open to Indians. While liberal nations such as Australia and Canada are closing their borders, the United Kingdom has openly been welcoming Indians.
This is because Indians make up UK’s largest ethnic minority group, around 1.4 million. The British Indian community’s impact may be felt in a variety of ways. For example, fifteen Indian-origin members of parliament were elected in the 2019 British election, including two high-profile cabinet ministers. Nine of the top 100 entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom are Indian, as are three of the top twenty wealthiest UK residents. Many Indian business magnates maintain second homes in the United Kingdom, and the country remains a popular choice for Indian students pursuing higher education overseas. For these reasons, the UK and India have established the 2030 vision. The objective is to re-energise trade, investment, and technological collaboration that improves the lives and livelihoods of people in both countries.
So what are the benefits for Indians in terms of migration and employment?
Benefits for Indians: Migration and mobility without an employer tie-up or sponsorship
Youth Mobility Scheme: The UK has introduced Youth Mobility, a cultural exchange programme. Indians between 18 and 30 age can apply for this mobility program. It is relatively straightforward to apply for compared to any other economic migrations. Visa is granted for 2 years and allows you to work in most jobs and self-employment or set up a company. You are allowed study at an educational institution. This is an excellent opportunity to gain overseas experience and learn about a new culture.
High Potential Individual visa: It is part of the government’s effort to entice the world’s brightest talents to the UK economy. The High Potential Individual visa is designed for recent graduates who have received a bachelor’s, postgraduate, or PhD degree within 5 years from a top-ranking global university outside the United Kingdom. Graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree can stay in the UK for two years or three years if they hold a PhD. Although it does not lead to permanent residency in the United Kingdom, visa holders can apply for another UK visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa.
Global Talent Visa: This visa is intended for nationally or internationally recognised leaders or promising talents in the fields of science and medicine, engineering, humanities, digital technology, arts and culture, and research. This visa offers complete independence and increased flexibility in terms of job, location, compensation, leave, and involvement with organisations. You are free to join a firm or build your own business. You can apply for settlement after 3 years of your stay under exceptional talent visa and 5 years under exceptional promise.
Startup and Innovator: The Startup visa is for high-potential entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the United Kingdom. To be eligible, you need an innovative, viable, and scalable business concept that has been approved by a UK government-appointed endorsing organisation. The Startup visa is only valid for two years, after which you can convert to the Innovator Visa. On the other hand, the Innovator Visa is designed for experienced business people who desire to establish a firm in the United Kingdom. In addition to an innovative, viable, and scalable business concept that has been approved by a UK government-appointed endorsing organisation, you must be willing to invest £50,000 in your business. After three years on the Innovator Visa, you can apply for ILR.
Benefits for Indians: Employment perspective:
According to technology experts, this is an excellent time to establish or join a digital technology company in the United Kingdom. This is because FinTech, EdTech, HealthTech, ClimateTech, FoodTech, MobilityTech, and InsurTech are all driving a new phase of growth in the UK. The tech industry in the United Kingdom is optimistic for 2022, with the majority of IT companies polled by industry group TechUK anticipating increased revenue, investment, and staff this year.
It is also no secret that there is currently a severe labour shortage issue in the UK, and some industries are suffering more than others. Between June and August 2021, the number of job vacancies rose above 1 million for the first time since records began.
Furthermore, the UK is becoming a more entrepreneurial nation as more investments are made, and the need for talents has increased by 42 percent. Companies are now paying 50% higher than the national average to entice talents. Technology talents in high demand are engineering professionals, design and development engineers, production and process engineers, programmer and software development professionals, web design and development professionals, cyber security specialists, IT business analysts, architects, and systems designers. According to studies, around 14% of IT employees in the United Kingdom were born in India. The Indians have made substantial contributions to the UK’s IT industry, and as a result, the UK has created new immigration options in specialised areas, making it more attractive for Indian nationals.
Themis Technologies is committed to providing you opportunities to explore new cultures that will lead you on a personal growth journey, eroding your preconceptions and broadening your perspectives. It will expand your awareness, acceptance, and diversity of views and enable you as a citizen of the world.
About the Author: Gayatri Panda
Gayatri is an award-winning professional with extensive experience in Employment Law and Data and Technology Regulations across Information Technology, Data Science and Analytics, Semiconductor/Electronics, Design Engineering, Technology Consulting, and Professional Services industries. She is the Business Partner of Themis Technologies, a London-based consulting firm where she advises Innovative Tech Startups and Technology Experts on how they can expand their businesses and tech careers in the UK.
