Analysis: Settlement Challenges for Indian Migrants in the UK

This report examines the multifaceted challenges encountered by highly skilled Indian migrants settling in the UK. It explores the motivations driving migration, including employment opportunities and the UK's 'shortage list' for skilled workers, while also highlighting the problems faced post-settlement. These challenges encompass discrimination, cultural differences, language barriers, and issues related to wages and recognition in the workplace. The report analyzes the impact of immigration on the UK economy, including its effects on the labor force, GDP, and the labor market's flexibility, while also addressing the influence of settlement experiences on the migrants' health and well-being. The report emphasizes the need for strategies to mitigate settlement issues, such as governmental deals to lessen these challenges, and concludes with a call for further support for Indian migrants in the UK to improve their settlement experiences.

Settlement challenges for highly
skilled Indian migrants in UK

Table of Contents
Context.............................................................................................................................................1
Factors that drive highly skilled Indians to settle in UK........................................................3
Why highly skilled Indians experience problems after getting settled in UK........................4
Impact of immigration on UK Economy................................................................................5
Challenges faced by skilled Indian migrants in UK........................................................................6
Influence of settlement experiences on health and well being...............................................8
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

Context
Migrants can be determined as people who work and live outside their country of origin.
There are different set of perceptions that individuals have towards their country and people who
visit to their country in search of job (Ryan and Mulholland, 2014). There are many strict
policies that are made in countries so that people who visit from other countries will be able to
achieve their desired goals. However, there are also countries that have policies which make
individuals to live in restrictions. Migrants are vulnerable to human rights abuses. As per the
findings, it can be stated that the rate of people with skills from developing countries to
developed countries have raised (Impact of Immigration on UK Economy, 2016). Further, the
rate of skilled workers in developed countries have also increased and this is because the
countries' economy is facing shortage of labour. On the other hand, better wage, high working
conditions, cheaper transportation, etc. are encouraging people to visit developed countries and
contribute effectively so that their desired goals and objectives can be achieved (Charsley,
Storer‐Church and Hear, 2012). However, there are different set of challenges that are faced by
migrants due to which they face difficulties in settling. The changing of settlement rules in 2012
by UK government broke the link between people visiting UK for work and to get permanent
residence. Usually the migrants are attracted to developed countries like UK because of better
wages, improved employment terms, recruitment and cheap transportation. But when migrants
arrive here they have to face a totally different culture. Moreover, they have to face
discrimination from the local people who already are residing there. This makes it difficult for
them to stay there permanently and gradually come back if they are not able to cope up with
them. The working migrants employed in big MNC's have to face issues related to wages
because government imposes different set of rules and regulations in terms of wage for migrants.
Not all are capable of handling such challenges. Another challenge the migrants face are the food
culture (Kumpulainen, Lipponen and Mikkola, 2014). Migrants who are highly skilled come to
UK in seek of opportunities that will enhance their career and also ensure their upliftment in the
organization they are working for. If they get a job of their level, then issues faced by them are
related to settling. Though highly skilled labour is increased but settling permanently in UK is a
difficult task. For this purpose, they have to work effectively and deal with day to day stress.
There are a very few among those highly skilled migrants who are able to cope up with the stress
and those who are not are forced to leave the country with no other option being left.

Discrimination from localities may or may-not occur. All this depends on the mentality which
they have been pursuing, the result of which is tension and stress for Indian migrants (Kõu and
Bailey, 2014). However, despite all this various laws are there in UK that might be helpful for
the migrants if they face any such issues and reporting to the assigned authorities could be done.
These challenges show that its high time that Indian government needs to make deals with UK
government which will lead to less settlement issues faced by these highly skilled migrants.
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Factors that drive highly skilled Indians to settle in UK
There are ample of reasons for which highly skilled Indians migrate to UK and the major
reason is employment opportunities. Being a developed country, UK has a lot of opportunities
for Indians that indeed gives them the platform through which they can depict their skills and
capabilities (Yeoh and Lam, 2016). In Indian states, people find less opportunities to develop
their career; hence to grow in the same aspect, they apply for job in UK. However, on the other
hand most of the students study there and after completing the studies, they apply for placement
in the same country.
This is beneficial for them in many aspects; hence as a result most of the highly skilled
Indians prefer to migrate towards UK (Geddes and Scholten, 2016). Further, on the other hand
UK government has an occupation “shortage list” which is yet another easier method to get a
job. This includes occupation services for students who have completed courses in complex areas
such as chemistry, physics and other engineering courses. There a few other courses as well
through which highly skilled migrants can apply for the job opportunities in UK. However, most
of the students in UK prefer to get part- time work; hence after completing the studies, they
switch towards the same job profile.
This is yet another reason through which people prefer to migrate to UK. Most of the
students have psychology that studying in UK will assist them to get a reputed job and because
of that, they involve themselves in such job profiles (Golebiowska, Carter, Boyle and Taylor,
2016). In a few cases, working in UK is easier for Indians because of the Tier 4 visa as that
allows them to work for maximum 20 hours in a week. Due to a growing nation, highly skilled
Indians also prefer to work in the same area of concern and that also aids them to get appropriate
pay according to the job profile.
While migrating to different countries, it is essential for the employees to encourage and
motivate themselves so that they can survive in the respective country. Employment and growth
opportunities are the major reasons that leads people to migrate to different countries and
especially to UK. This is yet another factor through which people prefer to visit diverse areas for
permanent employment and settlement (Indians continue to emigrate for better work
opportunities and study. 2015). UK is also regarded as a hub for migrants seeking work and
individuals for different purposes. India provides a number of services to Indians who live in
abroad; thus according to the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, international migration is
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considered as important as that directs impacts the economic relations between developed and
developing countries.
Financial status of employees gets enhanced and that drives them to shift towards UK
which also improves their standard of living. However, on the other hand, they experience
several other problems as well which impacts their lifestyle. This directly impedes the interest of
living and certainly several problems arises (Akkoc, 2014). Employment opportunities are more
developed in developed countries; hence this drives people to switch to different countries. But
unviability of all the requirements affects the motivation level of working and this also changes
the way people work in different countries.
Why highly skilled Indians experience problems after getting settled in UK
From general point of view, around 3 million EU nationals are in the UK and around
6.6% people work for temporary job profile (O’Connor and Vina 2016?). Further, Indian
currency is not much valuable than pounds; hence in terms of monetary problems, Indians
experience problems (Harvey and Beaverstock, 2016). In many of the cases, it is observed that
highly skilled Indian migrants are not welcomed properly due to their social, religious and
cultural background. British people not only discriminated them; but also discourages them in
every sphere. Moreover, this happens almost in every workplace of UK where Indians are not
given dignified job position (Walsh, 2011).
Apart from this, it is also identified that skilled Indians sometimes are not provided
adequate opportunities through which they experience numerous issues as a result most of the
migrants get depressed (Madziva, McGrath and Thondhlana, 2016). During such period, no one
is there to support them as most of the Indians reside in UK without their family members.
Hence, they experience several issues during settlement in UK. Along with the same, responses
of British employees towards Indian employees is somewhere not honourable, which leads to
other problems. After Brexit, legal issues are highly faced by Indians in which they have to show
a lot of documentation to reside in UK for temporary basis (Kumpulainen, Lipponen and
Mikkola, 2014).
However, there are a few companies that follow different cultural aspects under diversity
management; still due to behavioural changes among the employees, Indian migrants feel
pressured while working in UK. Employees also experience issues in the realm of improper
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recognition and appreciation wherein they do not get suitable opportunities as per contribution
made in the organizational development (Thondhlana, Madziva and McGrath, 2016).
Further, highly skilled employees always expect for the best opportunity and when they
do not get competitive environment, they feel demoralised and demotivated as well. Sometimes,
this changes their mind-set and as a consequence they find numerous other opportunities for
jobs. Personal and professional life when collaborates, problem appear in people’s lives and this
hampers the work capability (Yeoh and Lam, 2016). This usually happens to almost every Indian
who do not have their families in UK. Thus, lack of moral support and concern changes the
mental capability and people ultimately faces various issues during work and other areas.
According to Kofman, (2012) there are different type of issues that are being faced by
Indians like discrimination, low pay, issues related to getting place to stay, etc. In this context, on
the issues that are faced is of acceptance. Indian workers are not accepted at UK organization
and even if they are accepted, they are not treated or given equal importance. Further, there are
barriers that are faced by Indians in relation with language. Most common language that is
spoken in UK is English and in India the common language spoken is Hindi. This is a type of
issue that is faced by migrants and in order express their thoughts. Further, the culture that is
being adopted at UK is different when compared with India (Kumpulainen, Lipponen and
Mikkola, 2014).
Impact of immigration on UK Economy
When skilled employees visit UK, then economy of UK has high impact. In this context,
below given are few of the impact over UK economy due to migrants:
Increase in labour force: When people visit to developed countries like UK, then they
have to work so that they will be able have income for fulfilling their basic requirements. Even
student take up part time job so that they get some source for income (Meares, 2010). This
gradually lead to increase in labour force and also increases the capacity of the economy.
However, migrants are being discriminated on the basis of their nationality, colour, race, gender,
etc.
Increase in GDP and aggregate demand: When more and more people visit to UK, then
it increases the aggregate demand. All the migrants will raise their spending over economy.
However, one of the issues that are faced is that the pay given skilled migrants are low compared
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with local employees (Hawthorne, 2010). The spending make by migrants to economy remains
same even if income to them is low.
Flexibility in labour market: In UK, organizations prefer to hire people who will be able
to support them to perform their business operations that also at low income. For this purpose,
firms prefer to hire migrants and this way it creates more flexible labour market. For example, it
was in the year 2000s when there was in need of workers from Poland and other Eastern
European countries. For this purpose, government sought to attract migrants from different
countries.
Impact over dependency rate: As per the ageing population, it can be determined that
there will be an increase in dependency ratio. In this context, migrants are helpful enough to
reduce this rate (Mavroudi and Warren, 2013). When migrants will be working, then it is
beneficial for the government as they will pay income tax, VAT, etc. However, when there is no
proper support given to migrants, then they rate will fall.
Social issue: One of the issues due to migrant is increase in population. For example, in
UK there is shortage of housing and this is causing limited space. The quality of life is getting
affected. Even though the rate of GDP is increasing but it is also increasing the rate of pollution
(Kumpulainen, Lipponen and Mikkola, 2014). There are certain limits for the population and in
UK the limit has exceeded and it has raised the issue of getting places for the people to stay.
Further, there is another type of issues that are faced by local people and that is decrease in
employment rate for local people. Organizations prefer to take up skilled migrants as they need
to be paid low compared with local people. This is a type of issue that are faced by local people
and due can be determined one of the way due to which there is discrimination among mind of
local people for skilled migrants.
Challenges faced by skilled Indian migrants in UK
Immigration means moving from one country to another country for the purpose of
education, studies, business and personal issues. Immigration to UK implies that people from
different countries are moving towards UK for accomplishment of their dreams and goals (Ruhs
and Anderson, 2010). Also, people from India also looking forward to move in UK for higher
studies and for employment purpose. Also, according to the Prime minister of India, there are
plenty of opportunities and discussions regarding increased investment and also trading links
between Britain and India. There are large number of skilled people from India moving across
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the world to UK. Although, there are many challenges that are faced by skilled Indian migrants
in UK are as follows: Another challenging issue is that skilled Indian migrants face is that they do not get many
opportunities for employment in companies there in as the local people get. They feel
discriminated because they get no job or less pay scale job in companies of UK. This is
very major challenge as, they are also very skilled in all aspects but not according to the
requirements of the managers of companies of UK (Kumpulainen, Lipponen and
Mikkola, 2014). To survive in UK is the most challenging issue there in. Furthermore, they are victim of racism in UK. The local students studying in the colleges
and university comments on the colour and complexion of the Indian students (She and
Wotherspoon, 2013). Also, the rules and regulations that has been framed by UK government has been laid
down some issues for the Skilled Indian migrants (Gill and Bialski, 2011). A new law has
been framed by government of UK in respect of which if salary of Indians will be less,
than 35000 pounds then they will be deported. It will mainly affect the Indian professionals which will be affected are mostly of Tier-2
Visa, who earns less than 35000 pounds (Walsh, 2011). In addition to this, Indians staying there for the employment purpose are also affected by
the tax liabilities on the salary and other aspects. Indians also find it is very difficult to have green card Visa until and unless job profile is
very strong. They have to struggle in between the residential issues. It has been analysed from the studies that from the rules and regulations formed by the
UK government in aspect of the immigration has decreased the number of skilled
migrants from India to work in UK (Hawthorne, 2010). As the rules have limited the
migrants to work, especially the Tier -2 visas. Also, it has been assessed that the there are 700 Indian companies working over UK,
which provides 100.000 jobs in the country. So if Indian companies faces restrictions on
their ability to have skilled people to work in country, it could affect the business of
companies (Sigelman and Rider, 2014). Also, the Indian people are facing the issues of legislation because the laws and
regulations of legislation of UK is different from legislation of India (Mavroudi and
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Warren, 2013). Because of this Indians may face penalties and imprisonment due
contradiction of legislation (Rook, 2013). Unemployment is an another issue which Indian people are facing in UK as some
corporate house of UK are making discrimination in recruiting personnels (Meares,
2015). Some Indians at corporate house of United Kingdom are working at low wages
because of less skills and discriminating factors.
Influence of settlement experiences on health and well being
As per the view of Glass, Perrin and Remy (2017), highly skilled workers in UK are
provided Point Based System that is being scored against a range of attributes such as age,
qualifications, earning etc. Thus, through analysing PBS system it helps in identifying the youth
mobility and temporary workers who are facing settlement challenges in UK. Therefore, it is
essential for the government of the country to make proper policies in relation to improve the
skills of Indian workers and overcome their settlement challenges so that it affects their health
and wellbeing (Glass, Perrin and Remy, 2017). However, it can be argued that migration is
usually considered with reduced employment and earning therefore, skilled workers need to
focus upon getting effective training and thus they would be able to cope with the workers
working within UK. Further, professional Indian immigrants are facing several challenges
related to settlement and thus facing economical issue. Martinez, Wu and Chavez-Baray (2015),
stated that due to stress it affects or devaluate the professional immigrants labour that possess
negative and sometime emotional affects (Maes and Kalofonos, 2013). Therefore, it is essential
for government of the country to make effective changes in the settlement experiences and thus
bring efficiency in the working ability of individuals. For instance, if the workers within any
country are not provided any proper facilities regarding staying than it would affect their health
and well being condition. Thus, skilled immigrants from India need to be given proper chances
of training and skills provided to them in relation to enhance their efficiency (Martinez, Wu and
Chavez-Baray, 2015).
As per the opinion of Jeffrey (2016), deskilling and non recognition of immigrants makes
them disappointed so that it affects their employment. Therefore, it is essential for country to
identify various settlement experiences of immigrants aiming to settle in UK and facing
challenges regarding health and well being, people of UK are not accepting their work etc
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(Jeffrey, 2016). Thus, all such challenges affects the health and well being of immigrants
working in UK. However, Atanackovic and Bourgeault (2014), argued that there are people who
experience poor psychology and impact upon their health due to unemployment. Also, due to
differences in the culture there might raise inability of settling within foreign country as they are
accepting the workers easily. Hence, it is essential for government of UK to bring certain
changes in the immigrants employment structure and thus make the immigrants comfortable so
that they can find a suitable job option as per their skills and abilities and fulfil their needs. It can
be asse4ssed that there are several settlement challenges which are being faced by highly skilled
Indian migrants in UK and thus they need to perform the task so that best results can be attained
(Atanackovic and Bourgeault, 2014). However, it is crucial for citizens living in UK to maintain
transparency with the immigrants coming from India and share their skills and abilities in terms
of performing the tasks. There are several changes which are occurred in immigrants
employment structure needs to be ascertained by Indian immigrants and thus overcome their
settlement challenges (Eyles and Woods, 2014).
Eliopoulos (2013), states that settlement experiences are sometimes worse and thus it
impacts upon the health and well being of individuals so that immigrate and face issues
regarding settlement experience. Also, professionals are experiencing a downward shift both
within income and in health and well being. Thus, such changes results into migrating and
bringing changes in immigrants employment structure and its impact on psychological well
being of individual (Eliopoulos, 2013). However, there are various trained professionals in
foreign do not practice in their professions after they immigrate. It may be due to several reasons
such as bad health and well being and therefore, expectation of such individuals are not fulfilled.
Also, devaluation of foreign credentials and thus deskilling impacts upon immigrant individuals,
their families and society as well. Before employing any foreign immigrant in country, their
health and wellbeing need to be examined so that they could contribute effectively to the society.
However, Kashima and Abu-Rayya (2014), it has been noticed that temporary workers
who migrate primarily with the main reason to work and thus obtain professional immigrants
migrate as permanent residents demand a better and health lifestyle. Further, settlement
experiences possess particular implications upon women and children and therefore, proper
health to be maintained so that children could live a better cultural setting with proper emotional
and physical support from extended family members (Kashima and Abu-Rayya, 2014) Further,
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devaluation of professional immigration possess certain negative impacts on newcomers in
family. It is essential to provide immigrants training and skills in order to improve their
experiences. Immigrants are facing poor psychological health due to their unemployment and
thus helps them to provide better experiences in relation provide healthy living conditions
(Kumpulainen, Lipponen and Mikkola, 2014).
There are individuals who experiences poor psychological health due to unemployment
and thus experiences poor health and well being conditions. Thus, it also facilitates immigrants
proper health and living conditions in regard to become responsible, healthy and productive
citizens within social environment. Therefore, it is essential for cultural factor to be analysed in
regard to experience proper healthy conditions and thus does not impact on individual health
(Rook, 2013). As per the view of Horner and Swarbrooke (2016), stated that changes within the
immigrants employment structure which are common within country faces significant effect on
psychological well being and thus adaptation of professional immigrant individual (Horner and
Swarbrooke, 2016). However, Sigelman and Rider (2014), argued that proper working
conditions needs to be provided to individuals and thus health and well being needs to be
maintained so that proper physical and well being conditions can be attained (Sigelman and
Rider, 2014). Through evaluating the challenges being faced by workers in regard to assess the
impact upon the health of workers (Kumpulainen, Lipponen and Mikkola, 2014). Thus, all such
challenges need to be overcome so that immigrants within the country could be settle down
efficiently and does not affect their health.
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