Britain on Wednesday unveiled proposals to modernise short-term visa system and introduced a new family visitor category which puts the onus on the host for the behaviour of the traveller during his stay in the UK.
The new proposals, presented to the British Parliament by Minister of State for Borders and Immigration Liam Byrne, provides for a maximum six-month stay for those visiting Britain and also has special visas for businessmen, sportsmen, members of the entertainment industry and participants in cultural events.
The sponsors, who will be given identity cards, will have the duty to ensure that their visitors comply with the terms of their visas and leave before the expiry of the travel document.
"The new system makes the family of the sponsor more visible," Byrne told reporters in New Delhi through a video conference uplinked from London.
The proposals also provide for a fine of upto 5,000 pounds or in case of more serious violations a maximum jail term of 14 years for the sponsor if the visitor violates British laws, Byrne said.
British citizens and those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK will be required to become licensed sponsors before their family members can visit from abroad.
The changes follow a three-month consultation process, which for the first time included talks with members of foreign community, including in India.
To encourage more tourists, Byrne also proposed to introduce a new low-cost three-month group visa and India is likely to be one of the countries in which the new visa will be tested before implementation worldwide.
© 2026