According to estimates, over 1.5 million Indians live in the UK, making Indians one of the largest immigrant groups in the UK. For Indians to stay in the UK and enjoy its many opportunities and strong and significant Indian community, they must be aware of their legal and immigration rights and obligations.
Indians living in the UK get many benefits that UK citizens enjoy, such as the freedom to work, study, and access healthcare and the need to uphold the law and pay taxes. However, every Indian immigrant is expected to uphold the law in the country.
It is vital to know and fully understand that as an immigrant, you could experience some difficulties with your immigration status, such as getting visas or dealing with deportation processes in case of misdoing. It is essential to understand the legal method to send money from India to the UK.
Understanding and knowing your rights and responsibilities towards the UK legal system makes it easy to navigate the system more successfully; You can choose to obtain legal counsel to educate and keep yourself up-to-date with the current laws.
For those unfamiliar with the legal system, managing the complicated legal and immigration concerns that arise can be particularly difficult. Indians’ legal rights in the UK:
Employment rights:
Indian workers in the UK have equal employment rights as UK nationals. The UK government believes in equal treatment of all humans regardless of color, race, or nationality. Indian enjoy the same employment benefits right to a minimum salary, holiday pay, sick pay, and other benefits.
Education:
As Indian students, you have a right to education and equitable treatment when applying for admission and receiving scholarships. However, education may be more expensive in the UK than in India. Evaluate your budget, then apply. You would need to make money transactions from India. Do understand the do’s and don’ts when you decide to send money from India to UK
Health Care:
Indians can access healthcare services the National Health Service (NHS) offers while living in the UK. However, to access these services, you’d have to be living in the UK for a minimum of 6 months and will need to pay a surcharge,
Housing:
Indian citizens are entitled to affordable accommodation, including publicly funded social housing. Indians must meet the qualifying requirements. However, usually, there is a long waiting list for such accommodations.
Political rights:
Indians who are registered to vote are allowed to vote in municipal and parliamentary elections. To represent their community and neighborhood, they can also run for office if they want to pursue a position in the government.
Religion
Indians living in the UK can practice their religion openly and freely without worrying about prejudice or retaliation. The UK government actively encourages interfaith cooperation and conversation while recognizing the right to freedom of religion.
Indians’ responsibilities in the UK:
We all have responsibilities towards the nations we choose to reside in. When we move to a new country, always good to understand our role as an immigrant or citizen of that country.
Here’s a brief understanding of the responsibilities Indians have if they choose to live in the UK:
Respect for the law:
Indian citizens living in the UK must abide by the UK law. Refrain from any law violation that can result in your arrest, incarceration, or deportation.
Taxes:
All Indians living in the UK are expected to pay taxes on their income. Evasion of tax may lead to fines, penalties, or legal action. Be extremely careful in money transactions. The UK has a strict policy, and evading tax may result in deportation. If you decide to send money from India to UK, talk to experts if you need to pay tax on it.
Integrating into society:
Indians living in the UK must respect British norms, values, and traditions and integrate into British society. It is advisable to take English classes and participate in community-wide social events.
Indians living in the UK are expected to give back to society through their employment, volunteerism, and other civic activities. It promotes social bonding and stronger communities.
Reporting changes in circumstances:
Indians living in the UK must notify the Home Office of any changes in their circumstances, such as changes in their work, address, or immigration status.
Indians in the UK may face immigration issues:
Indian citizens must obtain the necessary visa to visit, study, or work in the UK. The length and purpose of the stay determine the kind of visa needed.
Sponsorship:
Someone, typically their company, must sponsor Indians who want to work in the UK. To hire foreign labor, the sponsor needs a UK government license.
Eligibility criteria:
Indians must meet specific requirements to live and work in the UK, including age, education, language ability, and health.
Right to Work:
Indian nationals with a work visa are allowed to work in the UK so long as they don’t engage in any illegal activities or take up positions not allowed by their visa.
Indians residing in the UK for a specific time and meeting the requirements may apply for citizenship.
Living in the UK is a sought-after dream by many Indians. It can be a life-changing experience for those who wish to live, work, and may continue to live permanently.
To avoid unnecessary complications during your stay, carefully sift through the process and minor details, especially while handling money matters. Understanding tax implications will help avoid trouble if you send money from India to the UK.
Do understand the process, legal and cultural requirements for a smooth, hassle-free stay in the UK. Many experts can help you through this journey; Remigos is one of them. Their team is friendly and understands the legal system of the UK.
