Upset with UK's visa-policies, Modi refuses to sign illegal-immigration MoU
What's the story
An MoU to facilitate return of illegal Indian immigrants from Britain was left unsigned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since the European country didn't ease visa policies.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May told Modi in 2017 that "UK would consider improvements to its visa offer" for Indians.
But seeing no progress from Britain's side, he refused to ink the deal during his April visit.
The plan
What signing the MoU would have meant for India, Britain
After an existing MoU on illegal immigrants expired in 2014, both countries sought to ink a revised deal.
The MoU would have ensured the return of illegal immigrants to India, after the Indian High Commission in London identified them.
It would have also helped police of both countries with information on criminals and sex-offenders.
Reasons
Why PM Modi didn't sign the deal
While concerns of mass deportation and possible security breaches were cited as reasons behind PM Modi's refusal, a senior High Commission member said it was because Britain offered a hostile environment.
Contrary to May's promise, India didn't see any progress from Britain's side in the deal.
"We are seeing the denial of spousal visas and cancelling visas on small pretexts," he said.
Information
Unrealistic timelines in MoU another reason behind unsigned deal
Another reason why PM Modi didn't sign the deal was unrealistic timelines given to confirm people's identities: Indian authorities were given 70 days to verify an illegal immigrant in the UK, and 15 days to confirm the identity of those having ID.
Indians in UK
Notably, UK claims of Indian illegal-immigrants have been contested
Britain claims Indians form the largest population of illegal immigrants, numbering between 75,000 to 1,0,000.
However, Indian agencies contradicted the claim saying the number of immigrants is not more than 2,000.
Recently, it was discovered only 4,600 International students were overstaying their visa in Britain. The country had claimed the figure was over 1,00,000: the numbers suggested by an International Passenger Survey.
Significance
Britain has much at stake with this deal
By giving Indians easier access to visas, Britain can broker a free trade agreement with us after Brexit.
But Britain's reluctance to give Indians same treatment as Chinese (it gives them two-year multiple-entry visit-visa) has irked many.
"We need to see some easing of migration, especially of short-term visas such as for Indians students and those coming to work for companies," the official said.
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Is there any chance of the MoU being signed?
Britain's expectations about action on illegal immigrants are more than what India is currently willing to commit. Indian officials are worried scores of citizens will be deported without any 'humanitarian consideration'. Till this and other concerns are resolved, India doesn't seem keen.