GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 3305

ANSWERED ON:25.04.2012

VISA RESTRICTIONS

ANANT KUMAR HEGDE

(a)whether a number of foreign countries have been imposing visa restrictions on skilled workers from India for the past few years;

(b)if so, the facts in the regard;

(c)the reaction of the Government in this regard;

(d)whether the Government has made any assessment of the adverse effect on trade due to the said action of Government of other countries;

(e)if so, the details thereof; and (f)the steps taken by the Government to remove the said obstacles so far?

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRSbe pleased to state:-

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR) 

 (a) & (b)Yes. In recent years, USA and UK have tightened their employment visa rules for highly skilled foreign workers in terms of qualifications and documentation to prevent low skilled workers from entering their countries, especially as intra-company transferees. These measures are applicable to nationals of all countries and are not India specific. However, highly skilled genuine applicants who have secured employment in the destination countries will not be affected.

(c) to (f)Ministry of Commerce, on a continuing basis, is conducting studies to assess the impact of such policies initiated by other countries on India’s bilateral trade relations with those countries. While limited and specific policy changes involving low-skilled workers for intra-company transfers will not have substantial impact on India’s trade turnover with those countries, the Government has brought the issues to the attention of the foreign governments during periodic consultations at various levels including consular talks, trade talks, foreign office consultations, trade in services negotiations, joint commission meetings and VIP visits etc.