India-UK Free Trade Agreement Opens Doors for Indian Professionals in 35 UK Sectors

 

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will allow Indian professionals to work in 35 different UK sectors for up to two years, with over 1,800 annual visas earmarked for chefs, yoga instructors, and classical musicians. This move is expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade in services and boost mobility for Indian talent.

 

In an official statement, the Indian government highlighted that the FTA will deliver greater market access across a range of service industries, including IT and IT-enabled services, financial and legal services, digital trade, and professional and educational sectors. The agreement simplifies visa processes for various professionals — such as engineers, architects, chefs, yoga experts, and musicians — deployed through contracts or company placements.

 

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated the FTA would be a game-changer for Indian professionals by simplifying access for contractual service providers, independent professionals, and business visitors. He emphasized that the agreement supports inclusive economic growth, benefiting not just professionals but also farmers, MSMEs, startups, artisans, and workers, while protecting India’s core interests.

 

According to Ajay Srivastava, Founder of GTRI, India has also agreed to recognise select UK professional qualifications in fields like law and accounting, though legal services remain restricted. The FTA ensures no quotas on UK service providers and grants commercial presence rights (Mode 3) across multiple sectors, while India maintains important regulatory protections in areas such as taxation, national security, and legal practice.

 

However, the UK's offer to India is seen as more conservative. While it allows Indian businesses a commercial presence in sectors like IT, consultancy, and environmental services, its commitments to professional mobility remain limited. The annual quota of 1,800 visas for niche roles such as yoga instructors and musicians is welcomed, but the UK has not committed to broader mobility, especially for IT professionals or business visitors.

 

Additionally, the UK has declined to restore post-study work visas, a setback for Indian students. The FTA does not override the UK’s points-based immigration system, meaning Indian professionals must still meet standard requirements regarding education, salary thresholds, and job offers.

“दूरेण ह्यवरं कर्म बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय। बुद्धौ शरणमन्विच्छ कृपणाः फलहेतवः॥
योगिनामपि सर्वेषां मद्गतेनान्तरात्मना। श्रद्धावान्भजते यो मां स मे युक्ततमो मतः॥”
"Bhagavad Gita”