New Delhi, Sept. 9 -- Indian nationals, who make up one of the largest migrant groups in Britain and received more than half a million UK visas last year, could be directly affected by a new policy shift in London that links visa access to cooperation on deportations.

The UK has warned that it may cut the number of visas it grants to countries that delay or refuse to take back their citizens found living unlawfully, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announcing on 8 September a fresh agreement with the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand that collectively make up the "Five Eyes" intelligence sharing alliance to push for faster returns.

The agreement lays out clear obligations for countries to accept the return of their nat...