Amid H-1B visa hike, Nasscom urges workers to return within 24 hours

New Delhi: Nasscom has urged its member companies to urgently get their H-1B employees who are currently outside America, to return to the US, amid the tight one-day countdown to visa fee hike implementation, Shivendra Singh, Vice President of the apex industry body said on Saturday.

Singh was responding to a question on what advice Nasscom is giving to companies and professionals to navigate the “disruptions” emerging from US’s move to raise the H-1B visa application fee to USD 100,000.

Speaking to PTI, Singh referred to the H-1B visa as a critical cog in the operations of both US and Indian companies.

“This particular move has come at a time when the technology is evolving at such a rapid pace, with AI and other front-end technologies gaining space to make the US the number one economy and the need to sustain American innovation leadership. This is something which is going to disrupt the system for some time, given the fact that not enough transition time was given. It was one day’s deadline for professionals to return,” he said.

Singh added, “We’ve recommended to our member companies that they should make efforts to get their employees who are outside the US to return before the 21st of September. And so that is advice.”

Nasscom believes that more consultations with the industry should have taken place before a significant move like this was put in place.

“The fact remains that Indian nationals form the bulk of H1Bs, which is around 70 per cent plus, and it goes to Indian companies, it goes a lot to the US companies as well. And Indian nationals are chosen because they have the skill set, and that is why they are in high demand from across the world,” Singh said.

Also Read

H-1B visa fee hike: Uncertainty looms over Indian IT sector, flags Nasscom

Nasscom on Saturday said the US’ move to raise H-1B visa application fee to USD 100,000 will impact India’s technology services companies as business continuity will be disrupted for onshore projects, which may require “adjustments”.

The association also flagged concerns over the September 21 timeline for implementation, saying a one-day deadline creates considerable uncertainty for businesses, professionals, and students across the world.

US’ move will impact Indian nationals who are on H-1B visas working for global and Indian companies, Nasscom had said in its statement.

“While we are reviewing the finer details of the order, adjustments of this nature can potentially have ripple effects on America’s innovation ecosystem and the wider job economy,” Nasscom said.

India’s technology services companies will also be impacted as business continuity will be disrupted for onshore projects, which may require adjustments.

“Companies will work closely with clients to adapt and manage transitions,” Nasscom added.

US President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation that will raise the fee for H1-B visas to a steep USD 100,000 annually. The H-1B visa fee ranges from about USD 2,000 to USD 5,000, depending on employer size and other costs.

Indian techies are among the main beneficiaries of the US H-1B visa program, which attracts top talent and expertise from around the globe. The Congress-mandated pool is 650,000 such visas every year, along with an additional 20,000 visas reserved for those who have earned advanced degrees in the US.

Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News, Technology, Entertainment, Sports, Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS.