RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3262
TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.03.2022
H-1B VISA RULES
3262. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY VEMIREDDY:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether constant changes in H-1B Visa rules are being opposed by technology giants like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Twitter, etc.;
(b) the reasons for changing position by the US as far as H-1B Visa rules are concerned;
(c) the impact of such move on Indian IT firms and individuals;
(d) whether India's IT firms are still dependent on the work permits;
(e) the alternative course Indian IT firms have in view of frequent changes in the H-1B Visa regime; and
(f) whether any consultations have been held at diplomatic and political level on this and, if so, the details thereof ?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]
(a) to (f) Mobility of skilled Indian professionals to USA has been mutually beneficial for both countries. According to the US Department of State, in financial year 2020, Indian nationals received nearly 75% of all H-1B visas issued, registering an increase from 69% in 2018. Majority of Indian H-1B visa holders are sponsored by US companies. Government is closely engaged with the US Administration and other stakeholders on issues related to the mobility of Indian professionals, highlighting the importance of people to people linkages and contribution of Indian skilled professionals to the growth and development of the US economy, especially in technology and innovation sectors. These issues are also discussed during India-US bilateral dialogues.
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