Sharp increase in Indians visiting and studying in the UK

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UK’s official statistics body confirms another jump in visa numbers

British visas issued to Indian nationals in 2017 increased sharply over the previous twelve months, according to the latest quarterly report from the UK’s Office for National Statistics.

Over 526,000 UK visas were issued to Indian nationals between January and December 2017, a jump of nearly 10% from 2016.

The increase was driven by a surge in visitors and students with visitors increasing by 11% to 427,000 and students 28% to 14,500.

Indian nationals still receive more employment visas for than all other nationalities combined, with 59,000 Indians choosing the UK to further their careers.

The British High Commissioner to India, Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG, said:

“These statistics illustrate the continuing strength of the UK and India’s relationship.  I am delighted that more Indians than ever before are choosing the UK for work, study, tourism and business travel.  Particularly welcome is the 28% increase in Indian students, showing that our world-class universities are again attracting more of India’s brightest and best young people.”

“Our visa service for Indians is as good as any other.  Almost 90% of applicants are issueds visa, in line with global norms.  Some 99% of Indian applicants get their visa within our 15-day service standard and we have more visa application centres across India than we do in any other country.”