URGENT – Hospitality Recruitment of Chefs from India under UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
RSR Global is urgently coordinating the recruitment of qualified Indian Chefs for temporary work placements in the United Kingdom under the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The recruitment window is extremely limited, and immediate registration is required.
Eligibility Criteria – Chefs Ready to Deploy Must Have:
- ✅ Valid Passport (minimum 12 months validity)
- ✅ Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
- ✅ English Proficiency Certificate
- ✅ Health Surcharge: £1,035 applicable
- ✅ Registration on the RSR Global ATS – Mandatory for processing
About the UK–India FTA (Chefs Route)
The UK–India Free Trade Agreement introduces a specific and limited pathway for Indian chefs de cuisine to work temporarily in the UK under the Contractual Service Suppliers (CSS) route.
This is part of a shared annual quota of 1,800 professionals, including chefs, yoga instructors, and classical musicians.
Key Provisions:
- Temporary Route: Allows Indian professionals to work in the UK for up to 12 months under a service contract.
- Limited Quota: A total of 1,800 positions shared across the specified professional categories.
- No Path to Settlement: This is a temporary work route only.
- Sponsorship Required: Candidates must have a UK-based sponsor holding a valid Home Office licence.
- Experience Requirement: Minimum 1 year of relevant experience outside the UK, with verified skills and qualifications.
- No New Visa Category: Operates under existing CSS provisions within the FTA framework.
- UK Immigration Control Maintained: The FTA does not alter the UK’s right to modify immigration policies or thresholds.
Outside the FTA – Standard Skilled Worker Route
For employers recruiting beyond the FTA quota, the Skilled Worker visa remains an option, though stricter rules apply (effective 22 July 2025):
- Roles must be at RQF Level 6 (undergraduate degree equivalent).
- Minimum salary: £41,700 per annum.
- No eligibility for cooks, kitchen assistants, or catering assistants.
Summary for Employers
UK hospitality businesses can engage Indian chefs either:
- Through the FTA’s temporary CSS route (quota-based, short-term work), or
- Under the Skilled Worker visa route (meeting RQF Level 6 and salary criteria).
The FTA offers targeted, time-limited support for the UK’s hospitality sector—especially for authentic regional Indian cuisines requiring specialist expertise.
Action Required Now:
Chefs and recruitment partners are urged to register on the RSR Global ATS system immediately to be included in the FTA quota.