UK Govt's response on reviewing new visa rules warm: Kharge

Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge today said that the response of the UK Government has been "warm" with regard to the state's demand to review the new visa rules.
"The new visa policy issue has been flagged and response has been warm. Hopefully they (UK Government) will try to do something about it," he told reporters on the sidelines of curtain raiser of 19th edition of Bengaluru ITE Biz 2016 here.
The IT and Electronics is set to take off from November 28 to 30 here.
The event is organised by the Department of Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka, in association with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Bengaluru.

Kharge also said the both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have already flagged the issue and Karnataka is not looking at it on a long-term basis, but short-term.
"The Prime Minister and Chief Minister, both have flagged the issue and we are not looking on long-term basis, but will be either 3 months to 12 months or a little more," he said.

Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah had requested visiting British Prime Minister Theresa May to review the new visa rules, saying movement of skilled tech workers from India should be seen as a trade priority.
He also said movement of skilled tech workers from India should be seen as a trade priority rather than an immigration.

Asked about his upcoming London visit, Kharge exuded confidence of striking investment deals with at least eight entities.
"Last time it was a recce, and this time we would like to cement it. This time, we have identified seven or eight potential (entities) to sign up. Hopefully we will be able to do that," he said.
Addressing the gathering, UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment Rt Hon Greg Hands said that as a first step towards a more lasting partnership, Britain intends to sign a MoU to mutually support and strengthen innovation ecosystems in Karnataka and the UK, targeting Startups and SMEs.