Modi raises Tier-2 visa issue with Cameron

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of change in Tier-2 visa rules with his British counterpart David Cameron during a bilateral meeting here on the sidelines of the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit.

"Prime minister also raised the issue of Tier-2 visas for ICT companies," external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said at a media briefing following the meeting on Friday.

"He said that skilled professionals should not find it difficult to come to work in the UK," Swarup informed the media.

Under a new rule, skilled professionals holding Tier-2 visas face deportation from Britain after five years if they cannot prove annual earnings of 35,000 pounds (nearly $50,000).

Earlier, a Tier-2 visa holder could apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in Britain with a annual income of around 21,000 pounds.

The new rule comes into effect on April 6 and is likely to affect thousands of Indian skilled professionals.

In this context, Modi told Cameron that the recommendations made by the migration advisory committee could cast a negative light and a solution needed to be found.

"Prime Minister Cameron promised to take a look at it," Swarup said.

"He said that we don't want to disadvantage bonafide IT companies but at the same time, we would also hope to ensure that the UK system is not misused."

During the meeting, Modi also informed Cameron that high-tech defence production in India has been opened to 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) and that British companies could take advantage of this.

The two leaders also discussed cooperation in the fight against terrorism.