Sunday, January 19, 2025
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Brexit and India  

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British Prime Minister Theresa May has assured that Brexit, if it comes through, will not allow migrants from EU countries to get ahead of immigrants coming from countries like India. The immigration system will be based on the criterion of skills. Expertise will count first in allowing entry. Under the current system, migrant workers from EU countries get work in the UK without hindrance. Those from India have to comply with rigorous visa requirements. May has talked of a change in the system. Western countries intend to erect barriers to immigration and Brexit is proof of that. But the economy in the UK is comparatively backward and needs skilled migrant workers. Indians enjoy a demographic dividend in that respect. The job market in India cannot absorb all of its skilled work force. There are also caste prompted agitations for government jobs in India.

India should invest heavily in skills development to enable its youth to find jobs in the UK with which it has a long link. That will also partially meet the challenge of automation in India. As a result of Automation, certain categories of jobs will become redundant. Prime minister May has shown understanding by revising British Attitude to immigration of Indian skilled workers. India should reciprocate by offering skills. The racial prejudice in the UK, an imperial legacy, is now all but gone. However, Indian companies investing in the UK are worried about the tighter Visa regime which might make it expensive to bring in skilled manpower for their companies. Some have considered reduced investments in the UK and of moving their staff and offices to other cities within the European Union for easier operation. Brexit has already impacted the 800-odd Indian companies that have set up shop in Britain and now employ some 110,000 people. They had earlier flocked to Britain for the ease in accessing the European market but post Brexit, the UK has become unattractive as an investment destination.

Political compulsions and vote bank politics was the engine that drove the Brexit vote. Theresa May is today struggling to keep her position and will soon face a vote of confidence in a climate where her Government is perceived to be losing ground. Meanwhile, the people of Britain are still grappling with the harsh realities following the Brexit referendum of 2016. Immediately after the Brexit vote where 51.9 % of British citizens voted to leave the European Union there have been loud clamours for a fresh referendum.

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