Tougher Visa Rules Haunt British PM Theresa May's Maiden India Visit

New Delhi (Sputnik) — British Prime Minister Theresa May’s maiden visit to India from November 6 to 8 is likely to have some bumpy moments.

Her Conservative Party-led government’s stance on tougher immigration rules for South Asia is likely to haunt her meetings with Indian counterpart as well as the industry bodies. The absence of a quid pro quo in the form of easier immigration may stymie her attempt to unlock the Indian market for British investments and industry.

With May looking to enhance trade ties with India, which also created almost 3,000 jobs in the UK last year and is currently clocking an eight per cent growth rate, her bargaining position is severely limited, especially if Modi pushes for easing visa rules like Britain did for China. Last year, Britain relaxed rules for Chinese visitors, including a new 10-year visa at no added cost.

On her first bilateral visit outside Europe, May wants to upgrade London’s ties with New Delhi against the backdrop of Britain planning to leave the European Union and, potentially, the European single market by early 2019.

Speaking ahead of the visit, May spelt out the reason for her India visit: “As we leave the EU, we have to look beyond our continent and towards the economic and diplomatic opportunities in the wider world. As we embark on the trade mission to India we will send the message that the UK will be the most passionate, most consistent, and most convincing advocate for free trade.”

Britain would like to keep the focus firmly on trade but sources report that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to raise the issue of tougher visa rules and also express concerns over the growing number of racial attacks against members of the Indian community.

There are reportedly 1.5 million Indians living in the United Kingdom, while more than 100,000 people in the country are employed by Indian companies like the Tata Group, Arcelor Mittal and other IT companies.

According to Britain’s Equality and Human Rights Commission, racial hate crimes increased after the Brexit vote. A highly publicized incident involved an Indian-origin BBC journalist, who was hurled a racial slur for South Asians living in the UK.

While racism on British streets is growing, curbs on short-term visas have increased the difficulties for Indian students, businessmen and tourists as part of the current Conservative establishment’s focus to lower the number of immigrants. At present, the impression Britain is giving is: “we want your business, but we don’t want your people.”