The UK political landscape is currently witnessing a heated debate over immigration, particularly targeting the Indian community. Some politicians have recently spoken out against Indian immigrants, citing immigration issues as a reason for political challenges. Former UK ministers Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch have proposed stricter immigration policies, specifically targeting Indian nationals. However, their arguments fail to acknowledge the immense contribution of Indians to the UK economy.
While the political shift in leadership within the Conservative Party and the criticism of Rishi Sunak, the former UK Prime Minister, may not directly impact India, it’s crucial to examine the significant role that Indian nationals play in Britain, both economically and socially.
Immigration and Targeting the Indian Community
The former ministers have focused their criticism on the Indian community, suggesting that relaxed immigration policies have led to a rise in illegal Indian immigrants in the UK. Jenrick even stated that nearly 100,000 Indians are living illegally in the country. Badenoch, echoing similar sentiments, mentioned incidents like the unrest following a cricket match between India and Pakistan in 2022 as a reason to tighten the immigration rules.
However, it’s important to address these statements through a broader perspective that considers the contributions of Indian immigrants to the UK’s economy and society.
A Strong Economic Contribution by Indians in the UK
The Indian community’s contribution to the UK economy is substantial, and their impact can be seen across multiple sectors. According to data from various sources, India ranks third globally, after the United States and France, in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the UK. Indian-owned companies in Britain—numbering over 65,000—generate billions in revenue and employ a significant number of people, including British citizens.
Prominent Indian entrepreneurs like Lakshmi Mittal, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Kartar Lalwani, and Tej Lalwani have played pivotal roles in strengthening business ties between India and the UK. Indian-owned firms collectively employ around 140,000 people in the UK, contributing greatly to the nation’s workforce. These businesses generate an impressive revenue of £36.84 billion (approximately ₹3,66,440 crore) and make capital investments of around £2 billion (₹19,900 crore) annually. Additionally, Indian-owned companies pay more than £1 billion (around ₹9,950 crore) in taxes, further enhancing the UK’s fiscal health.
Impact of Indian Professionals and Students
Apart from business, Indian professionals, particularly in fields like healthcare, technology, and education, form a crucial part of the UK’s workforce. For instance, more than 40% of doctors in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) are of Indian origin. Indian professionals also lead the way in the IT sector, significantly contributing to the digital economy of the UK.
In education, Indian students bring substantial revenue to the UK. With nearly 100,000 Indian students studying in British universities,
