by Soniya Basu | May 29, 2025 | 2025 Changes, Awareness
Let’s be real—global trade might not be the sexiest topic out there, but it totally affects your everyday life. From phone prices to food on your shelf, trade deals and tariffs shape more than we think. With new policies in place, US tariffs are now impacting UK trade directly—forcing the UK to rethink its global strategy.(BBC Business, Financial Times)
Lately, there’s been some serious tension between the UK and the U.S., especially with new tariffs popping up like unwanted ads. So now the UK has a bit of a dilemma: should it stick closer to the EU or look toward Asia for future trade?
At ScottishIndian.com, we’re all about bridging cultures, sharing stories, and helping our community navigate global shifts—especially when they hit close to home.
US Tariffs and Their Impact on UK Trade in 2025
Recently, the United States has been increasing tariffs on imports from countries like the UK. This means higher taxes on goods like steel, green tech, and even certain luxury items. For British businesses, that makes it harder to stay competitive in the American market. Products cost more. Sales drop.
And for people in the Scottish Indian community trying to grow international businesses or stay connected across borders, it creates friction. Whether you are importing ingredients, exporting handmade products, or running a startup with overseas clients, this stuff matters.The UK is already making moves by signing deals with several Asian countries—see the full list of UK trade agreements—and warming up for a big partnership with India.
Time to Swipe Right on Asia or Europe?
Because of all this tariff drama, the UK is rethinking its trade priorities. One option? Looking East—toward Asia.
And honestly, it’s not a bad idea. Countries like India, Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore are growing fast and hungry for international trade. The UK is already making moves by signing deals with several Asian countries—see the full list of UK trade agreements—and warming up for a big partnership with India.
For our Scottish Indian community, this is kind of the sweet spot. Whether you’re an entrepreneur blending two cultures, or someone who’s got family in both continents, stronger UK-Asia trade ties could open up huge doors. Imagine your UK-based clothing brand suddenly popping off in Delhi or your Glasgow startup landing customers in Singapore. That’s the level-up we’re talking about.
Even though Brexit happened, Europe is still right next door. It is a massive market with shared history and easy logistics. Rebuilding stronger ties with the EU could also give UK businesses a sense of stability and simpler trading rules.
It is not about choosing one over the other. It is about finding a smart balance.
Why You Should Care (Even If You’re Not Into Politics)
Trade decisions might sound like politics, but they shape real opportunities. They impact job markets, what products show up in your feed, and where you can grow your side hustle or startup.
At ScottishIndian.com, we are watching this space closely because our community lives at the intersection of these worlds. We are global thinkers, culture lovers, and change makers. And we believe knowing where the UK is heading helps all of us plan, grow, and connect better. Stay updated on topics like this by visiting our Community Blog or signing up for the newsletter.
Stick with us for more updates that blend world news, culture, and community. This is ScottishIndian.com — where global meets personal.
by Soniya Basu | May 28, 2025 | 2025 Changes, Awareness
ScottishIndian.com | Updated for 2025
If you’re an Indian student or migrant living in the UK, here’s an urgent update you can’t afford to miss. The UK government has set 1st June 2025 as the deadline to register for your digital eVisa — a major shift as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are being phased out.
At ScottishIndian.com, we know how overwhelming visa and immigration updates can feel. So we’ve simplified everything you need to know to stay compliant and avoid disruptions to your life, studies, and travel.
What Is the UK eVisa?
The UK eVisa is a digital proof of your immigration status. Unlike the physical BRP card, your immigration info will now be stored electronically and accessed online. You can log in to the UKVI View and Prove service to:
- View your visa status
- Share details with employers or landlords
- Update personal info like passport numbers
Why the eVisa Deadline UK 2025 Is Crucial for Indians in the UK
From 1st June 2025, your BRP card will no longer be valid — even if the expiry date says otherwise. If you haven’t registered for your eVisa, you could:
- Lose access to essential services like renting a flat
- Be denied employment offers
- Face problems with re-entering the UK
- Miss out on NHS services or banking
Simply put, your immigration identity in the UK is going fully digital — and you need to act before the deadline.
How to Register for Your UK eVisa Before the 1 June 2025 Deadline
✅ Step 1: Create or Sign in to Your UKVI Account
- Go to the official website: www.gov.uk/evisa
- Click “Sign in or create an account”
- Use a personal email (not your university email) so you don’t lose access in the future
- Set a secure password
✅ Step 2: Verify Your Identity
You’ll need to prove who you are. You can do this in two ways:
Option A: Using the UK Immigration: ID Check app
- Download the app on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
- Scan your BRP card and valid passport
- Follow the prompts to verify your identity
Option B: Manual Upload (if app doesn’t work)
- Upload digital copies of your BRP and passport on the UKVI portal
- You may be contacted for further verification
✅ Step 3: Link Your BRP to Your UKVI Account
- After verification, ensure your BRP details and passport number are correctly added
- Update your contact information (phone, current address in the UK, etc.)
✅ Step 4: Check and Save Your eVisa
Once submitted and approved:
- You’ll receive a confirmation email
- Log in to your account at any time to view, download, or share your eVisa
- You can now use this record to prove your right to live, work, and rent in the UK
💡 Pro Tip from ScottishIndian: Use a strong email address that you’ll have long-term access to. Avoid student emails that may deactivate after graduation.
💡 Bonus Tips from ScottishIndian.com
- Update your passport: If you renew your passport later, be sure to update your eVisa profile
- Use ‘View and Prove’ tool to share your immigration status with employers or landlords:
👉 gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
- Register before 1 June 2025 to avoid any loss of rights or disruptions
Missing the eVisa Deadline UK 2025 – What’s at Risk
Not registering by 1st June 2025 could mean serious consequences:
- Losing the legal ability to work
- Trouble renting property or opening bank accounts
- Risk of being flagged at UK borders or airports
We strongly urge our community to complete their eVisa registration before 1st June 2025. This shift to a digital visa is a step towards modernising the UK’s immigration system — but only if you’re on board.
Need more help? Browse our Visa & Immigration section or follow us on Instagram @scottishindian for real-time updates.
Quick Links:
by Soniya Basu | May 19, 2025 | 2025 Changes, Awareness
“Delivering for Britain” — that’s how Keir Starmer describes his recent diplomatic achievements, including the landmark UK-India Trade Deal for Indians in the UK. This new agreement could reshape opportunities for entrepreneurs, students, and professionals across the British Indian community.
In just two weeks, Starmer has announced three key global deals — with India, the US, and the EU — signaling a bold step forward for post-Brexit Britain.
🤝 UK-India Deal: A Key Step Toward Closer Economic Ties
Starmer’s mention of a UK-India agreement highlights growing momentum in strengthening trade, technology, and mobility partnerships between the two nations. While full details remain under wraps, such agreements are expected to:
- Simplify trade pathways for UK-based Indian businesses
- Boost cooperation in sectors like tech, pharmaceuticals, and education
- Improve student mobility and work visa access
- Encourage cultural and business exchange between Indian states and UK cities
This is especially relevant for the Scottish Indian diaspora, many of whom are entrepreneurs, academics, and professionals working across both countries.
🌐 UK-US and UK-EU: Rebuilding Global Bridges
The other two deals — with the United States and the European Union — show a commitment to reposition the UK as a flexible but focused global player. After years of Brexit turbulence, this signals a return to stable, forward-thinking international relationships.
For multicultural communities, especially those engaged in cross-border work, trade, and education, this could lead to:
- Increased business confidence
- Easier cross-border movement for professionals
- Stronger academic and tech collaborations
🗣️ Impact of UK-India Trade Deal on Indians in the UK
For British Indians, and especially for younger generations and dual-identity professionals, Starmer’s international focus opens up opportunities in:
- Global mobility and study
- Small business growth and international scaling
- Cultural partnerships and soft diplomacy
Whether you’re a student eyeing opportunities in both India and the UK, or a business owner exporting goods between continents, these moves could signal greater flexibility, access, and ambition for people like you.
Smart Diplomacy or Early Campaigning?
While some view these announcements as strategic diplomacy, others may see them as the early steps of Labour’s general election narrative. Either way, Keir Starmer is positioning himself — and Britain — as open for global business once again.
Time will tell how deeply these agreements reshape real-world outcomes, but for now, the message is clear: The UK is reconnecting — and fast.
Stay tuned on ScottishIndian.com for updates on UK-India relations, immigration reforms, and opportunities for the South Asian diaspora across the UK.
by Soniya Basu | May 13, 2025 | 2025 Changes, Awareness
(A simple guide for Indian students, workers, and families in the UK)
If you’re living in the UK or planning to move soon, you’ve probably heard about changes to immigration rules in 2025. These new rules set-up came from something called the UK Immigration White Paper — and it’s a proposal for now.
At ScottishIndian.com, we’re here to help Indian students, professionals, and families in the UK understand what’s going on — in simple words.
Let’s compare the old system vs. the new rules in 2025 so you know what to expect.
Before 2025: What Was the System Like?
Before 2025, the UK had a points-based system. You could move to the UK if you:
- Got a job that paid enough
- Spoke English well
- Had a student or Skilled Worker visa
Key features:
- Graduate Visa: Let students stay for 2 years after their degree
- Family Visa: Easier to bring your spouse or kids
- Care Worker Visa: Allowed people to work in UK healthcare jobs
- You could apply for citizenship after 5 years in most cases
Many Indian migrants used these routes to study, work, or settle with their families.
After 2025: What Changed in UK Immigration System ?
The 2025 White Paper brought in stricter rules. Here’s what’s different now:
- Citizenship takes longer
- You now need to live in the UK for 10 years before applying (was 5 before).
- Graduate Visa is shorter
- You only get 18 months to stay and find work after graduation (was 2 years).
- Skilled Worker rules are tougher
- You need a graduate-level job
- The minimum salary is higher
- Care Worker Visa will end by 2028
- The UK wants to hire more local workers instead
- Employers pay more
- Businesses must pay higher visa fees to hire international staff
- Stricter English tests
- Both the main applicant and family members need to pass higher-level English exams
What Does This Mean for You?
For our Scottish Indian community:
- If you’re a student, plan early — start job hunting before your course ends
- If you’re a professional, check if your job still qualifies for a visa
- If you’re applying with family, you’ll need to meet higher salary and language rules
Don’t worry — there’s still a path to success. Just be prepared!
📩 Got questions about the proposal of UK Immigration System After 2025? Visit our Whatsapp community. You’re not alone — we’re here to help!
Stay informed. Stay ready. Stay supported — with ScottishIndian.com
by Soniya Basu | May 8, 2025 | 2025 Changes, Awareness
What It Means for Indian Professionals in the UK | ScottishIndian.com
In a landmark move, the UK and India have finalised a free trade agreement (FTA) poised to reshape bilateral economic relations. A standout feature of this deal is the National Insurance (NI) exemption for Indian workers seconded to the UK for up to three years—a provision that has sparked both interest and debate.
What Is the NI Exemption?
Under the new agreement, Indian employees temporarily transferred to the UK by their companies will be exempt from paying UK National Insurance contributions for the first three years of their assignment. Instead, they will continue contributing to India’s social security system. This arrangement is reciprocal; British workers seconded to India will receive the same benefit.
This exemption aims to prevent double taxation on social security contributions for employees who are not permanent residents and may not benefit from the host country’s welfare systems. Similar agreements exist between the UK and over 50 countries, including the US, Canada, and Japan.
Who Benefits?
The primary beneficiaries are Indian professionals in sectors like IT, engineering, and finance who are temporarily assigned to the UK. For these individuals, the exemption reduces the financial burden during their stay. Indian companies also benefit by lowering the cost of sending employees abroad.
For the Scottish Indian community, this could mean increased opportunities for collaboration and employment, as companies may be more inclined to send talent to the UK, including Scotland, knowing the cost implications are reduced.
Political Reactions
While the business community has largely welcomed the deal, some UK politicians have expressed concerns. Critics argue that the exemption creates a “two-tier tax system,” potentially disadvantaging British workers. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the agreement, stating that such provisions are standard in international trade deals and are designed to prevent unfair double taxation.
🌐 Broader Implications
Beyond the NI exemption, the UK-India FTA is expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion and increase the UK economy by £4.8 billion annually by 2040. Tariffs on various goods, including British whisky and cars, will be significantly reduced, benefiting industries in both countries.
🧠 Final Thoughts from ScottishIndian.com
The NI exemption under the UK-India trade deal is a significant development for Indian professionals considering temporary assignments in the UK. It reduces financial barriers and aligns with global practices to avoid double taxation. For the Scottish Indian community, this could translate to more opportunities and stronger UK-India business ties.
At ScottishIndian.com, we aim to keep you informed about developments that impact our community. Stay tuned for more updates on how this trade deal unfolds and what it means for you.
Note: For more detailed information on the India-UK FTA highlights: Whiskey, luxury cars set to get cheaper | Business News and its implications, refer to official government releases and trusted news sources.
