The number of UK visas issued to Indian nationals has risen by 10 per cent in the past 12 months, according to the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
According to the statistics, more than 526,000 UK visas were awarded to Indian citizens during 2017, marking an increase of 11 per cent compared to the 427,000 UK visas approved in 2016. The number of student visas approved to Indian nationals by the Home Office were also found to have increase, rising by 28 per cent to 14,500 in 2017.
Commenting on the figures Sir Dominic Asquith, British High Commissioner to India, has suggested that they highlight that the relationship between Britain and India continues to be strong, whether Indian nationals seek to travel for work, education or leisure.
Mr Asquith added that the increase in the number of student visas awarded to Indian nationals is particularly welcome, signalling the growing strength of the UK’s reputation in education.
“Our visa service for Indians is as good as any other,” he said, commenting on the success of the British visa system in India. “Almost 90 per cent of applicants are issued visas, in line with global norms. Some 99 per cent 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.”