The UK is streamlining its visa processing facility in India, which is expected to reduce the waiting period for the British visa from the present 15 days to 10 days. The new system is slated to be implemented within two weeks, said British deputy high commissioner for eastern India Sanjay Wadvani.

“We have simplified our visa process and most of the rejections are due to incomplete application forms which we receive. In the next week or two, the waiting period for a UK visa will come down to ten days,” said Mr Wadvani. He was addressing a meeting organised by the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce here on Friday.

In 2009, there were more than 4.25 lakh UK visa applications from India. Over a million visitors travel between India and UK every year. UK’s visa system was completely revamped 18 months back.

Mr Wadvani said the new government in UK, led by prime minister David Cameron, is keen to enhance partnership with India. UK has identified sectors like manufacturing, infrastructure, information and communication technology (ICT), telecom, life science, financial services, agri-business, retail and creative industries as priority sectors for expanding ties.

“The number of trade missions planned for India will increase a lot as the new government and ministers settle down,” Mr Wadvani said.

In the East, UK is focusing on areas like mining, cleaner coal technologies, renewable energy, water and waste management, ICT, infrastructure, healthcare and education.

“UK can be more adventurous in eastern India and take calculated risks as companies are open to export beyond the European Union and North America. But the government and businesses here needs to reach out to such companies to bring investment and business ties in the region. There is a shared responsibility in this regard,” Mr Wadvani said.

In the East, UK is focusing on areas like mining, cleaner coal technologies, renewable energy, water and waste management, ICT, infrastructure, healthcare and education.

“UK can be more adventurous in eastern India and take calculated risks as companies are open to export beyond the European Union and North America. But the government and businesses here needs to reach out to such companies to bring investment and business ties in the region. There is a shared responsibility in this regard,” Mr Wadvani said.