UK-India Young Professionals Scheme

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Context:

The British Government recently announced the opening of the second ballot of the Young Professional Scheme for Indian citizens.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

Conceived from India-U.K. Migration and Mobility MoU: The scheme was initiated as part of the India-U.K. Migration and Mobility Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2021. The announcement took place in November during the G20 summit in Bali.
Formal Launch in February 2023: The India-UK Young Professionals Scheme was formally launched in February 2023.
Two-year Work and Residence Opportunity: Under this scheme, up to 3,000 degree-holding citizens aged between 18 and 30 from each country can live and work in each other’s countries for two years.
India Becomes First Visa-National Country Benefiting from the Scheme: India is the first visa-national country to benefit from this reciprocal visa program.

Eligibility Criteria: Indian citizens between 18 and 30 years old with a bachelor’s degree or above and £2,530 in savings are eligible to apply.
Visa Ballot and Application Process: Applicants must be selected in the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot before they can apply for the visa.
Flexibility in Travel: Visa holders can enter the UK at any time while their visa is valid and are allowed to leave and return to the UK during their stay.

Study and Work Opportunities: Visa holders can study, work in most jobs, and be self-employed (with certain conditions) during their stay in the UK.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Requirement: For sensitive degree programs like post-graduation or research, applicants need an additional certificate under the Academic Technology Approval Scheme before starting their course or research.
Limitation on Financial Responsibility: Applicants must not have any children under 18 living with them or be financially supporting such dependents.
Entry within Six Months of Visa Issuance: If issued a visa, applicants must enter the UK within six months from the date of visa issuance.
Self-employment Restrictions: While self-employed, certain restrictions apply, including the requirement that premises must be rented, equipment should not exceed £5,000 in value, and there should be no employees.

-Source: Indian Express