On 24th July 2025, the UK and India signed a trade agreement designed to streamline the buying and selling of goods and services between the two countries. Alongside economic benefits, the deal includes key provisions that affect the movement of people, particularly business travellers and temporary workers.
In this blog, we break down the changes, explain who they apply to, and what they could mean for your business and workforce.
Who Is Affected?
These changes apply specifically to short-term and intra-company transfers, particularly under the Global Business Mobility visa routes. Importantly, the agreement does not create any new visa categories or offer exemptions from standard salary and skills thresholds. Therefore, employees already in the UK on visa routes such as the Skilled Worker route would not be impacted by these changes.
Key Changes Under the UK-India Trade Agreement
- 3-Year Exemption from UK Social Security Contributions
Indian nationals working in the UK on temporary assignments, such as under the Global Business Mobility visa, will now be exempt from paying UK social security (National Insurance) contributions for up to three years. During this period, contributions are only required in their home country.
This aligns the UK-India agreement with similar social security arrangements the UK holds with countries like the USA, Canada, and EU member states, reducing the financial burden on both employees and employers.
- Minimum 3-Year Stay Under Global Business Mobility
Currently, the Senior or Specialist Worker route within the Global Business Mobility scheme allows individuals to stay in the UK for up to five years—or nine years for higher earners.
Under the new agreement, Indian nationals seconded to the UK under this route are guaranteed a minimum stay of three years, even if future immigration rule changes reduce permitted stay durations. However, note that this guarantee does not apply to salary or skill level requirements, which remain subject to change by the Home Office.
- Expanded Access to the Service Supplier Route
The Service Supplier route allows self-employed professionals or overseas company employees to work in the UK for up to 12 months—provided there’s a contract in place under a valid recognised international trade agreement.
With the new deal, the list of eligible sectors has been extended to include:
- Indian Chefs de cuisine
- Yoga teachers
- Classical musicians
A cap of 1,800 individuals per year applies across these roles.
In addition, the agreement now also covers those providing architectural and engineering services, opening new doors for Indian companies and self-employed professionals seeking to expand into the UK market.
The UK-India trade agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening economic and professional ties between the two nations. For businesses involved in temporary assignments, service provision, or intra-company transfers, these changes could simplify processes, reduce costs, and create fresh opportunities.
If you’d like tailored guidance on how these changes could impact your business or employees, feel free to contact us at info@migrate-uk.com.