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India Today
02-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Illegal routes to US: Rise in undocumented Indian students alarms experts
In the last ten years, the US has continued being one of India's most popular choices for pursuing higher education. The American dream captures the imagination of millions. The value placed on world-class universities, enhanced job opportunities, and access to international career avenues continues to draw lakhs of students each however, there is a disconcerting reality that we are increasingly becoming aware of Indian students who wish to pursue higher studies and work towards integrating themselves in the US are doing so through undocumented Ritesh Jain, Co-Founder, LaunchEd Global – Gateway to Excellence in Education, the rise in undocumented routes and visa overstays among Indian students chasing the American dream highlights the urgent need for awareness, regulation, and safer legal alternatives. A GROWING BUT UNDER-REPORTED PHENOMENON According to the DHS Entry/Exit Overstay Report for F category visa holders, student visa overstays rose to 3.5% in FY 2023. Despite the lack of evidence-based, nationally representative surveys directly targeting the Indian immigrant student population, numerous reports suggest that India still remains part of the top ten countries in the world with the highest visa overstay one of the most concerning hypotheses regarding undocumented Indian immigrants suggests that over 1500 Indian nationals were deported from the US in FY figure, strategically claimed by ICE, relies on controversial methodologies, highlighting the opaque nature of border policing—90% of these claimed deportations were through so-called 'border arrests' where students or young people try to cross the border through so-called 'irregular' routes like the US-Mexico such accounts, many of the forcible removals of these individuals occurred in the context of forced removal ARE INDIAN STUDENTS TURNING TO ILLEGAL ROUTES?Several factors are driving this concerning shift:1. Limited opportunities at homeDespite a growing number of educational institutions being set up in India, however, the limited top-tiered seats available in the elite institutions is highly sought after and remains intensely competitive. Many students, particularly those hailing from rural or semi-urban regions, consider the US as a panacea, a quick-fix solution, even if it entails going down unconventional or illegal routes.2. Flawed guidance from unregulated agentsAn unregulated study abroad market exists in India, and an alarming number of students are being solicited by unlicensed agents who promise unrealistic results such as guaranteed work permits and permanent residency in exchange for exorbitant consultancy fees. Certain unscrupulous agents even direct students towards dubious or non-accredited institutions abroad, which endangers students' visa status.3. Misinformation and peer pressureSocial media narratives glamorising life abroad, along with peer pressure fomo to 'go international,' can push students and youth to act out of desperation. Legally, students and families tend to overlook the complete range of consequences that come with unfavourable immigration scenarios or overstaying their visas, or entering the U.S. through undocumented Loopholes in the systemEvents like the University of Farmington sting operation in 2019 by ICE, where a fake university was created to expose visa fraud, captured the attention of students in America on fraudulent visas – and the institution with no classes, faculty, or campus. A large portion of these students claimed to have no idea what was going on, defaulting the blame on many of these consultants and agents who submitted their documents without informing them of basic realities.A Dangerous Shift: The Mexico Border RouteWhat's more alarming is the increasing capture of Indian nationals, a large proportion of whom are students, at the US-Mexico border. Over the past few years, there have been reports about Indian adolescents, typically from Punjab and Gujarat, willing to pay traffickers exorbitant sums of money for a chance to sneak into the United States through smuggling routes in Latin journey is treacherous and involves lengthy hikes, being transported in unreliable vehicles, and being apprehended by authorities at the borders. Unfortunately, some have died along the path highlights a more fundamental problem: some Indian youths are ready to cross safety, legality and long-term prospects to pursue a dream of either studying or settling down in WAY FORWARD: AWARENESS, REGULATION, AND LEGAL ALTERNATIVESThe rise in undocumented Indian students is not just an immigration issue—it's a wake-up call to educators, policymakers, and parents.1. Stronger regulation of education agentsIndia needs to impose licencing and control systems to regulate study abroad agents. A lack of transparency in counselling, documentation, and a framework to administer misleading practices will go a long way.2. Better awareness amongst students and familiesTargeting young aspirants and their guardians to legally educate them on visa application processes, post-graduation employment, and the dangers of entering a country illegally is crucial.3. Legal and safer educational pathwaysIndian institutions should collaborate with global partner institutions to develop safer scholarship programs, legitimate pathway programs (such as community college transfer schemes), and even offer remote international exposure through tangible internships, all while expanding international legally safe exposure opportunities.4. Collaborative policy between India and the USThere is a need for close cooperation between both countries to monitor the abuse of student visas and human trafficking. Enhanced data-sharing, educational exchange agreements, and streamlined visa processes are necessary to improve safety as well as clarity regarding the Indian student population adds value to the US higher education system academically, culturally, and economically. However, the rising trend of unlawful or unapproved entry into the US is a cause for concern as this practice undermines the progress made and endangers youths. As a society, there is a need to ensure that aspiration does not get harnessed by misinformation and desperation.
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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.
