The First Home Affairs Dialogue between India and UK was held today. The Indian side was led by Union Home Secretary, Rajiv Mehrishi and the UK delegation was led by Patsy Wilkinson, Second Permanent Secretary, Home Office, Government of UK and UK Visa for Indian professionals was raised prominently.
The meeting was held as a follow-up of UK Prime Minister’s visit to India in November 2016 and the commitment of the two Prime Ministers for enhanced and strengthened Dialogue.
Both sides expressed satisfaction in matters relating to the extradition of wanted persons. The process involved in matters of extradition and the need to further improve them were also discussed.
Both sides agreed to address the challenges of illegal migrants. The two sides will work together to ensure smooth return of Indians overstaying in UK subject to nationality verification.
Regarding criminal data sharing and strengthening cooperation in tackling serious and organised crimes, the two sides expressed their satisfaction in the existing level of cooperation. Both sides also agreed to enhance and strengthen further the bilateral cooperation and work towards formalising the arrangements.
India raised the issue of obtaining a UK Visa and related difficulties faced by Indian students, skilled professional and dependents of Indian diplomats. UK side assured that the UK Visa woes of the Indians would be addressed soon. The UK side mentioned that it has been their constant endeavour to improve the UK visa process to promote people to people exchanges that exist between the two countries. The UK side also briefed about the progress regarding the Registered Travellers Scheme and great club announcements which were made during UK Prime Minister’s visit in 2016.
Both India and UK laid emphasis on cooperation on anti- terrorism mechanism and to strengthen mutual support to check cyber crimes. Both sides agreed to
formalise
these arrangements.
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