The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme is a bilateral exchange program launched in February 2022, allowing young Indian citizens between 18 and 30 years old to live and work in the UK for up to two years. The reciprocal arrangement signed off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart, Rishi Sunak, at the G20 summit in Indonesia in November 2021 also offers similar visas to British nationals to live and work in India.
The scheme, which offers 2,400 visas for eligible Indians in the first ballot, is a significant moment for the bilateral relationship and the UK’s wider commitment to forging stronger links with the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen both Indian and British economies. It is also seen as an effort to propel the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, which are now set to enter the eighth round of talks next month.
The UK-India exchange program is an excellent opportunity for India’s brightest young people to experience the best of the UK, and vice versa. The program is expected to facilitate the exchange of skills, ideas, and knowledge between the two countries, resulting in long-term economic, cultural, and social benefits.
The program is also expected to boost innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration between the two countries, leading to the creation of new businesses, jobs, and opportunities. The exchange of cultural values and ideas is also expected to promote diversity, inclusivity, and mutual understanding between the two nations.
To be eligible for the program, Indian citizens must declare that they are eligible for the visa and enter the ballot, which is free to enter. Successful candidates in the ballot need to apply for their visa by the deadline given in a subsequent invitation to apply, which is usually within 30 days. The successful candidate must travel to the UK within six months of applying for their visa.
The application fee charges for the visa have been set at GBP 259, with an additional GBP 940 healthcare surcharge and proof that the applicant has GBP 2,530 in personal savings. Unsuccessful candidates can apply for future ballots, with the next tentatively scheduled for July.
The High Commission of India in London will be handling the ballots and visas on the UK end of the scheme, for British citizens keen to access the new route to apply for a two-year Indian visa. This reciprocal arrangement is expected to foster stronger links between the two countries and facilitate the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and innovation.
The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme is a promising initiative that has the potential to create long-term economic, cultural, and social benefits for both India and the UK. The exchange of skills, ideas, and knowledge between the two countries is expected to boost innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, leading to the creation of new businesses, jobs, and opportunities. The program is also expected to promote diversity, inclusivity, and mutual understanding between the two nations.