Latest news with #DoubleContributionConventionAgreement
NDTV
12-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
UK News
Share Twitter Twitter WhatsApp WhatsApp Facebook Facebook Reddit Reddit Email May 10, 2025 04:21 am IST Agence France-Presse The leaders of France, Britain, Germany and Poland will make an unprecedented joint visit to Ukraine on Saturday for talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, vowing to ratchet up pressure on Russia until it agrees a ceasefire. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 09, 2025 12:59 pm IST Agence France-Presse UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced new sanctions targeting Russia's so-called shadow fleet ahead of a military summit in Norway on Friday. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 09, 2025 01:43 am IST Reuters The United States and Britain announced a deal to lower tariffs on some goods on Thursday, with U.S. levies on cars and steel being cut and both sides gaining better access to agriculture markets. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 08, 2025 15:43 pm IST Mihir Sharma, Bloomberg President Donald Trump may say "tariffs" are his favorite word, but the rest of the world doesn't have to agree. With or without America, trade deals continue to be signed. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 08, 2025 06:38 am IST Asian News International UK Member of Parliament Priti Patel condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and called on the British government to strengthen counter-terror cooperation with India. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 06, 2025 23:46 pm IST Press Trust of India India has secured a three-year exemption from social security contributions for domestic workers who are temporarily in the UK and their employers under the Double Contribution Convention Agreement (DCCA). Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 06, 2025 22:43 pm IST Written by: Abhishek Chakraborty Studying or working in the UK will soon become difficult for nationals of certain countries. The update comes from the UK Home Office, which says it has been identifying countries from which visitors are most likely to overstay and claim asylum. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 05, 2025 14:35 pm IST Edited by: NDTV News Desk Meghan Markle posted a black-and-white photograph of Prince Harry and their children at their Montecito residence, a day after her husband's request to restore his security in the United Kingdom was turned down. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 04, 2025 23:53 pm IST Agence France-Presse British police have said 14 children aged between 11 and 14 were arrested in a northeastern English town after a teenage boy died in a fire at an industrial park. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 04, 2025 10:45 am IST Reuters Britain's counter-terrorism police arrested five men, including four Iranian nationals, on suspicion of terrorism offences over a plot to target a specific premises, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement on Sunday. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 01, 2025 22:56 pm IST Reuters London department store Harrods said on Thursday hackers had attempted to break into its systems, the third high-profile cyber attack on a UK retailer in two weeks, following incidents at Marks & Spencer and the Co-op Group. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 01, 2025 16:19 pm IST Agence France-Presse A British woman, Ethel Caterham, became the world's oldest person aged 115 on Thursday after the death of a Brazilian nun who had held the record, according to research groups. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 01, 2025 11:04 am IST Agence France-Presse Eighty years on, the spritely 100-year-old - who now teaches yoga and saw in her big birthday with a celebratory flight in a Spitfire fighter plane. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email
NDTV
12-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Diaspora
Share Twitter Twitter WhatsApp WhatsApp Facebook Facebook Reddit Reddit Email May 06, 2025 23:46 pm IST Press Trust of India India has secured a three-year exemption from social security contributions for domestic workers who are temporarily in the UK and their employers under the Double Contribution Convention Agreement (DCCA). Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 05, 2025 18:56 pm IST Edited by: Sanstuti Nath A 21-year-old Indian-origin, who was just weeks away from graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, was paralysed from the waist down after falling from a balcony at a fraternity house party in April. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 05, 2025 16:04 pm IST Press Trust of India A 21-year-old Indian student has been arrested in the US after trying to scam a 78-year-old woman from North Carolina by posing as a law enforcement officer. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 02, 2025 22:07 pm IST Press Trust of India The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Indian Consulate in Indonesia to ensure three Indian nationals on death row in the foreign country were given adequate legal aid to pursue remedies. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 01, 2025 18:28 pm IST Edited by: Anushree Jonko In Brampton, a city known for its strong Punjabi presence, the election results were particularly noteworthy. Five constituencies in Brampton featured candidates with Punjabi names, with both the Liberal and Conservative parties claiming wins. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 01, 2025 14:28 pm IST Edited by: Sanstuti Nath (with inputs from AP) Amid a wider crackdown on immigration, the Trump Administration in the United States is expanding the ways to strip international students, including Indians, of their legal status to stay in stay and study in the country. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 30, 2025 11:03 am IST Press Trust of India Two Indian citizens on student visas in the US have been arrested for scamming an elderly individual and charged with theft, according to authorities. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 30, 2025 00:09 am IST Edited by: Anushree Jonko According to USCPB data, between October 2024 and February 2025, 77 unaccompanied Indian minors were apprehended at the US borders. This trend is part of a larger pattern, with 1,656 unaccompanied Indian minors apprehended between 2022 and 2025. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 29, 2025 19:11 pm IST NDTV Newsdesk An Indian tech entrepreneur allegedly shot dead his wife and one of his sons at their home in the United States last week, said the police. The man, said cops, then died by suicide. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 28, 2025 12:50 pm IST Press Trust of India Two Indian nationals were charged in Singapore's district court on Monday after they allegedly used pieces of clothing to tie up a woman's limbs in a hotel room and robbed her. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 24, 2025 21:30 pm IST Edited by: Anushree Jonko Immigration officials are issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) in H-1B visa cases, seeking personal data, including home addresses and biometrics. This move has sparked questions about the federal agency's intentions. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 22, 2025 15:34 pm IST Edited by: Sanstuti Nath Thousands of migrants living in Canada, including Indians, are losing their work permits due to long delays in the paperwork renewal process, as growing backlogs and changing rules hinder efforts to maintain legal status. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 22, 2025 07:51 am IST Press Trust of India A 20-year-old Indian national will be charged in Singapore on Tuesday for allegedly outraging the modesty of a cabin crew member aboard an aircraft bound for the city-state. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 19, 2025 08:36 am IST Press Trust of India A 21-year-old Indian student was killed in Canada after a stray bullet struck her. She was waiting at a bus stop on her way to work when the shots were fired by a car occupant. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 18, 2025 23:59 pm IST Press Trust of India A member of the Scottish Parliament has tabled a motion in the House commending the work of a Gandhian society that has drafted a report that highlights the "rising levels of prejudice, discrimination and marginalisation" of Hindus in Scotland. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email
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Business Standard
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India-UK FTA: How Indian techies will save on salary for three years
After nearly three and a half years of negotiations, India and the United Kingdom announced on Tuesday the conclusion of talks for a free trade agreement (FTA) that could reshape the way Indians work and do business in Britain. The deal, which covers strategic and economic ties between the fifth- and sixth-largest economies, includes an agreement on social security contributions that is expected to benefit thousands of Indians working in the UK on a temporary basis. Kajal Dave, Co-Founder of LaunchEd Global, a study abroad and e-learning platform, said, "Although trading in products and services is the primary objective of the FTA, discussions have also included the ability to move by qualified professionals. The regulations are expected to enable short-term business and professional visas, support mutual recognition of qualifications, and facilitate easier migration pathways in high-demand sectors. Even though they might not immediately change student visa restrictions," Dave told Business Standard. How Indians could benefit Under the Double Contribution Convention Agreement (DCCA), Indian workers temporarily in the UK and their employers will be exempt from paying social security contributions for three years. India's commerce ministry said this would make Indian service providers more competitive. 'In an unprecedented achievement, India has secured an exemption for Indian workers who are temporarily in the UK and their employers from paying social security contributions in the UK for a period of three years under the Double Contribution Convention,' it said. Business Standard reported earlier, citing estimates from the commerce ministry, that the agreement is expected to save around 20 per cent of an employee's salary. More than 60,000 employees, mainly from the IT sector, are expected to benefit. The total financial benefit to Indian companies and employees is estimated to exceed Rs 4,000 crore. Presently, Indian professionals working temporarily in Britain pay compulsory National Insurance (NI) contributions but cannot claim benefits once they return to India. Industry experts believe the deal could offer wider advantages beyond immediate cost savings. "The agreement is anticipated to help Indian professionals. Better post-study career prospects, increased acceptance of Indian degrees, and a more hospitable work environment for long-term employment in industries like technology, finance, and healthcare might all result from this for students and aspiring professionals," said Dave. "For Indian professionals working in the UK, the FTA has the possibility to greatly reduce tax costs and simplify employment laws. If well executed, it may save up to 20 per cent of salaries, which is a significant advantage that improves financial security and increases the UK's appeal to Indian talent," he added. Varun Singh, Managing Director of XIPHIAS Immigration, said the FTA represents more than a commercial agreement. "The India-UK FTA is more than just a trade pact — it's a gateway for skilled Indian professionals to dream bigger. While the full text is still under wraps, both sides have signalled a strong intent to include provisions that ease mobility for Indian workers, particularly in sectors like IT, healthcare, and finance," Singh told Business Standard. He added, "For Indians already in the UK, this could translate to faster pathways to permanent residency and broader career prospects. For those aspiring to move, especially young graduates and tech talent, it opens doors to smoother visa processes, potentially even a dedicated mobility scheme." India already has similar social security agreements with countries including Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France, Denmark, South Korea and the Netherlands. Workers posted abroad to these countries continue contributing to India's Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) without double deductions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was pleased with the outcome. 'Delighted to speak with my friend PM Keir Starmer. In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial free trade agreement, along with a double contribution convention. These landmark agreements will further deepen our comprehensive strategic partnership and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon,' Modi wrote on X. In the UK Parliament, Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, said the agreement preserves Britain's existing rules on immigration. 'The deal does not affect the points-based system. It only covers business mobility, which is different from immigration, as it is about travel for specific and temporary business purposes," he said. Alexander further said that UK businesses would also benefit from increased mobility routes as they expand into India. UK Opposition slams govt The announcement drew criticism from opposition parties in Britain, particularly concerning the treatment of British and Indian workers under the new arrangement. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper tweeted, 'It is very worrying to hear concerns that Indian workers coming over here, companies may not have to pay taxes on those workers,' calling for MPs to be given a vote on the deal. Conservative MP Harriett Baldwin raised concerns in the House of Commons about the potential cost to the British taxpayer. She said, 'Will the convention really mean that, for example, an Indian-owned restaurant chain in the UK could pay no national insurance here for its chef, while the British pub next door pays full national insurance for its curry chef? This government is literally putting up taxes for British workers but cutting them for Indian workers.' Baldwin questioned whether it would be 20 per cent cheaper for companies to hire Indian workers instead of British ones. Alexander responded that the arrangement is reciprocal and will benefit British workers posted in India. He said the exemption covers only a specific and limited group of Indian businesspeople, for three years, and pointed out that the UK already has similar agreements with the EU, the US and South Korea. What about student visas and immigration rules? The government clarified that student visas were not part of the negotiations. Alexander said: 'Student visas remained off the table.' He also confirmed that the UK has not created new visa routes under the FTA. While some business mobility routes have been expanded to cover additional sectors, they will only be available to highly skilled and experienced professionals. Applicants must still meet strict criteria on qualifications and experience. — No changes have been made to the UK's points-based immigration system — No new general visa categories have been introduced for Indian citizens — Business mobility provisions are strictly temporary and sector-specific The government reiterated that Indian workers benefiting from the agreement will still have to pay the immigration health surcharge, which funds the NHS. The United Kingdom's points-based immigration system is the framework used to decide who can work, study, or settle in the UK. In this, applicants must earn at least 70 points to qualify for most work visas. Points are awarded based on specific criteria such as: Having a job offer from an approved UK employer (20 points) Speaking English at a required level (10 points) Job being at an appropriate skill level (20 points) Salary level (0–20 points depending on the salary band) Occupation being in a shortage field (extra points) Having a relevant PhD (extra points if related to the job, especially in STEM fields) Types of visas under the system include: Skilled Worker visa: For people with an eligible job offer. Health and Care Worker visa: For doctors, nurses, carers, etc. Global Talent visa: For leaders or potential leaders in fields like science, engineering, the arts.
The Print
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Print
India secures 3-year exemption from social security contribution for domestic workers in UK
The agreement will lead to savings of around 20 per cent of salary, an official said, adding it is expected to benefit more than 60,000 employees from IT sector alone. India and the UK on Tuesday announced conclusion of this agreement along with the free trade pact. New Delhi, May 6 (PTI) India has secured a three-year exemption from social security contributions for domestic workers who are temporarily in the UK and their employers under the Double Contribution Convention Agreement (DCCA). The benefits to Indian companies and employees would exceed Rs 4,000 crore. According to the commerce ministry, the agreement will make Indian service providers significantly more competitive in the UK. 'In an unprecedented achievement, India has secured an exemption for Indian workers who are temporarily in the UK and their employers from paying social security contributions in the UK for a period of three years under the Double Contribution Convention,' it said. Presently, Indian professionals working for a limited period in Britain contribute to their social security funds, but are not able to get their benefits as they return once the projects are complete. It was a long-standing demand of Indian businesses operating in Britain to cut down on the additional cost burden associated with bringing in skilled Indian professionals on a short-term basis. The compulsory National Insurance (NI) contributions of skilled Indian professionals in the UK on temporary visas remain an additional cost burden of about 500 British pounds per employee a year, over and above all other taxes and health surcharge paid towards the National Health Service (NHS), as per 2021 data. India has social security agreements with countries like Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France, Denmark, South Korea, and the Netherlands. Thus, Indians going abroad for employment are not required to contribute towards social security schemes in these countries. They and their employers can continue with social security schemes run by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) here in India while serving abroad. PTI RR HVA This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Print
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Print
Talks on proposed India-UK bilateral investment treaty still on: Official
'The BIT talks are still on,' the official said. The two sides on Tuesday announced the conclusion of talks for the free trade agreement (FTA) and social security pact (officially dubbed as Double Contribution Convention Agreement). New Delhi, May 6 (PTI) Negotiations for the proposed bilateral investment treaty (BIT) between India and the UK are still on as both sides are yet to resolve certain outstanding issues, an official said. Earlier, there were plans to conclude all three in parallel. Issues that may need some more discussions included sunset clause in the BIT. These investment treaties help in protecting and promoting investments in each other's countries. India has earlier lost two international arbitration cases against British telecom giant Vodafone and Cairn Energy Plc of the UK over the retrospective levy of taxes. India has received USD 35.65 billion in foreign direct investment from the UK during April 2000 and December 2024. PTI RR HVA This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
