India conveys to US concerns over H-1B restrictions

India conveyed to America its concerns over renewed attempts in the United States for imposing restrictions on the H-1B visa programme, which is likely to hit the Information Technology sector.

“India’s interests and concerns have been conveyed both to the US Administration and the US Congress at senior levels,” said Vikas Swarup, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.

His comment came a day after a Bill was introduced in the American House of Representatives to double the minimum salary of H-1B visa holders to $ 1,30,000.This would make it difficult for companies to use the programme to replace US employees with workers from other countries, including from India.

US President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order aimed at imposing the fresh restrictions for H-1B and L1 visas used by foreign workers, Indian IT professionals, to work in America.

New Delhi, according to sources, has already made early contacts with key members of the new US Administration and conveyed to them its concerns over tweaking the H-1B visa programme, either by executive order or through legislations. New Delhi argued during its engagements that Indian companies, including the IT majors, not only contributed to the economy, but has also created jobs in America.

India also put forward its view that protectionism could pose serious threat to the global economy.

DH News Service