YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SCHEME

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Context

• The British government opened its second ballot under the UK-India Young Professional Scheme for Indians aged between 18 and 30 years with graduate-level qualifications for visas to the UK.

UK-India Young Professional Scheme

Scheme Overview

• The India Young Professionals Visa Scheme is an important part of the UK-India Mobility and Migration Partnership, which was signed between the two countries in May 2021.
• The scheme allows Indian citizens with a graduate or postgraduate qualification to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
• This scheme will enable candidates to enter the UK at any time while their visa is valid and leave and return anytime during their stay.
• There are a total of 3,000 places available under the scheme for the year 2023, and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) said that most places were given in the first ballot, which took place in February.
• The second ballot of the Young Professionals Scheme is now OPEN.
• While it's free to enter the ballot, applicants are told they must only enter if they plan to apply for the visa, which costs 259 pounds, and are able to meet the financial, educational, and other requirements.
• Additional costs involved include a 940-pound healthcare surcharge and proof that the applicant has 2,530 pounds in personal savings.
• Candidates must travel to the UK within six months of applying for their visa.

Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?

• The candidate must be between 18 to 30 Years of age.
• The candidate must hold a valid graduation degree.
• The candidate must hold a valid Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
• The candidate must submit proof of financial viability for managing expenses during the stay.
• The candidate should not have a minor child below the age of 18.
• The candidate must submit an application to the designated authorities.

Significance of the Scheme

• The launch of the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme was dubbed a "significant moment" for the bilateral relationship and the UK's wider commitment to forging stronger links with the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen both Indian and British economies.
• It was also seen as an effort to propel the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations.
• Under the reciprocal arrangement signed off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart, Rishi Sunak, at the G20 summit in Indonesia last November, British nationals would also be offered similar visas to live and work in India.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Who is eligible to apply for UK-India Young Professional Scheme? a)    A candidate between 18 to 45 years of age. b)   A candidate with no minor child below the age of 18. c)    A candidate who is holding a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity. d)   A candidate holding a valid graduation degree. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) only three (d) None Correct Answer: (c) Only three.

 

https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2023/jul/26/uk-opens-second-ballot-for-young-professionals-scheme-visas-for-indians-2598728.html