LONDON: A white paper by the Aston India Centre reveals how Indian migrants have repeatedly helped transform the UK economy since World War II. Called “one of the most consequential migration stories of modern Britain,” the paper tracks four waves of migration from the 1940s to post-Brexit times. Indian migrants have eased Britain's labour shortages over decades. After World War II, they helped rebuild the country amid high job demand. Until the 1970s, most Commonwealth citizens moved freely to the UK. In 1972, many Indians with British passports expelled from Uganda came to the UK. Later, family reunion visas brought others who started businesses in cities like Leicester and Birmingham. In the 1990s, Indians worked mainly in services like IT, transport, manufacturing, and hospitality. The 2016 Brexit vote led to many EU workers leaving Britain. This created fresh demand, answered by more Indian students, healthcare professionals, and skilled workers. Covid also caused big labour gaps. Indians are now the largest group on the UK's skilled worker visa route. They make up about 16% of NHS staff and 13% of tech workers. Since 2019, highly skilled Indian entrepreneurs have launched AI, fintech, life sciences, and digital firms outside London too. British Indians rank as the UK's wealthiest ethnic group by median net worth. They enrich Britain's culture with food, music, film, literature, and festivals. They also increasingly hold public roles, including local councils and even Prime Minister, boosting social unity. Prof Pawan Budhwar, co-author of the report, told TOI, “The white paper provides evidence-based analysis about the contribution of the Indian diaspora to the UK’s economy, culture and social capital. It highlights that the Indian diaspora are not a burden and are contributing significantly.” The report recommends smarter UK migration policies. It urges aligning visas with employer needs, mutual recognition of qualifications with India, and coordinated worker credential checks between the UK and India. This aims to speed hiring and secure top talent.