The Hindu Business Line : Nasscom assures US Senators help in detecting visa frauds

New Delhi May 30 In response to concerns expressed by two US Senators over the issue of H-1B visas, Nasscom on Wednesday sent a letter on behalf of Indian software companies assuring the Senators of cooperation from its members in detecting visa frauds.

It also pointed out that the total employment in the technology sector has risen in the US over the last few years, that there was a low annual unemployment rate for technology professionals and increased salaries for them. The association said that it was also ready to meet and discuss the issue with the Senators at their convenience.

About two weeks ago, nine Indian companies had been issued letters over the misuse of H-1B visa programme. In its letter, Nasscom has said that the contribution of the Indian IT sector has been significant for the US economy too.

It also said that some of the largest outsourcing contracts from the Indian private sector, as also from the Indian Government, have gone to US companies.

A Nasscom statement released here on Wednesday said: "The letter assures the Senators of support and co-operation by Nasscom and its member companies on the larger issue of visa fraud and also echoes the Senators' belief that any fraudulent activity should be dealt with in the strictest possible manner."

The association has brought to notice a specific clause in the Immigration Bill introduced by the Senators that "prohibits companies from hiring H-1B employees if they employ more than 50 people and more

than 50 per cent of their employees are H-1B visa holders".

The software body saw this as a protectionist measure that would affect Indian IT companies, reduce the number of H1-B holders going to the US, whereby impacting competitiveness of the IT industry in the US.

At present, the H-1B visa cap stands at 65,000. TCS and Wipro each have about 12,000 employees located in the US, and HCL would have about 5,000 employees working on site there.

More Stories on : Human Resources | Industry Associations | Policy

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Monsoon waits for fresh southerly surge

Global BPO contracts begin on weak note in first quarter

Cos raise $5 b via ECBs in March

Wheat import tender scrapped

Markets trip as China triples trading duty

Fund managers showing interest in mid-cap stocks

Stake sale talk buoys Patni

Institutional buying lifts Dish TV

Nasscom assures US Senators help in detecting visa frauds

Global buys: GTL puts in place Rs 1,000-cr plan

CPI(M) moots regulations for organised retail trade

Physical verification of imported goods by excise officials goes