India-UK FTA to Grant 1,800 UK Visas for Chefs, Yoga Instructors, and Musicians

What do a sitar virtuoso, a yoga master, and a spice connoisseur chef have in common? They all get a golden ticket to the UK—thanks to the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Signed on 25 July, the FTA is more than just another trade deal. It’s a passport to possibility – especially for Indian talent in the cultural, wellness, and culinary industries. And yes, the long-awaited UK visa for Indian professionals in 2025 has finally arrived – with real numbers and real opportunities.

What’s on the Table?

Under the FTA, the UK will accept 1,800 annual visa applications from Indian nationals in specialised service positions. That’s not a typo.  We’re talking about a defined quota – chefs, classical musicians, and yoga instructors are all at the front of the queue.

Who Qualifies?

Indian professionals with skills related to:

• Traditional Indian cuisine (especially regional chefs and specialist chefs on Indian cuisine)
• Classical music (if you play tabla, sitar, or are a Carnatic and Hindustani classical music expert)
• Certified Yoga and wellness instructor
• And other sectors such as architecture, education, and engineering

They can now work in the UK for a maximum of two years under simplified visa processes.

What Makes This FTA Different?

The India-UK trade deal visa quota is part of a larger shift in how India and the UK collaborate on talent mobility. This isn’t just about sending people abroad—it’s about putting Indian expertise on a global stage.

Key Highlights:

• 35 service sectors are included under mobility rights
• Recognition of UK qualifications in areas like law and accounting
• Entry facilitated for contractual workers, independent professionals, and business visitors
• Easier intra-company transfers for Indian firms operating in the UK

Not All Doors Are Open—Yet

While the FTA is a step forward, it’s not a leap across the finish line.

• The UK has limited its commitments on broader visa categories
• There’s no revival of post-study work visas
• IT professionals and business visitors still fall under standard immigration rules

Still, as Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal noted, the agreement is designed to spark inclusive growth—benefiting everyone from MSMEs to artisans and tech professionals.

So, What Does This Mean for You?

If you are an eligible Indian chef, certified yoga teacher, or classically trained musician, the UK has just become a much more viable option for your career. However, negotiating a foreign visa is not comparable to rolling out a yoga mat.

This is where being guided by someone with expertise comes in.

VisaExperts, with decades of knowledge in international mobility and visa processing, can assist Indian professionals with each step—preparing documents, assessing qualifications for compliance, visa application advice, and post-approval requirements.

Final Note: India’s Talent Is Going Global

In a world where skill, rather than one’s passport, carries weight and value, this FTA is more than a sign of prolonged diplomatic relations—it is a measure of recognition.

The Work visa UK for Indian chefs and artists is not simply about filling out paperwork—it opens doors. It is an opportunity for India in terms of culinary, wellness, and cultural opportunities to showcase its talents abroad in a legal and transparent manner.

Ready to explore your options?

Let VisaExperts help you on your journey to the UK!