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India is preparing to counter allegations of “job-snatching” faced by its IT companies in America, which recently led to a probe by the US labour department against the hiring practices of IT majors Infosys and TCS.
The ministries of Commerce and External Affairs are teaming up with industry body Nasscom to carry out a campaign in support of Indian IT companies in the US, highlighting the benefits they bring to the country’s economy, a Government official told BusinessLine .
“Nasscom will examine the possibility of holding workshops to educate the media and civil society groups on the transformational benefits that Indian IT companies bring to the American industry and banking. It may also engage with US Congress members on the matter to prevent the possibility of greater curbs on work visas in the future,” the official added.
Earlier this month, the US Labour Department started investigations against TCS and Infosys for possible violations of’ H-1B’ visa rules to employ foreign technology workers by replacing local workers under contracts they held with electric utility Southern California Edison.
The probe followed complaints that around 500 local technology workers were replaced.
The two companies, however, have reportedly said that they are fully compliant with their visa rules.
Disney issue There were also reports of US-based Disney replacing 200 local workers with H-1B visa holders brought by an outsourcing firm from India.
“The truth is that Indian companies bring in a complete skill-set that may be required to get a job done.
“Some skills to get part of the required job done may be available locally, but usually the entire skill-set is not available. That is why Indian firms are hired by US companies,” the official explained.
Huge market The US is the biggest market for Indian IT services industry and accounts for nearly $100 billion of exports.
New Delhi believes that it is important to start working with members of the US Congress as some members may have started believing that skilled immigrant workers were displacing local workers rather than complementing them due to recent targeting of Indian IT companies.
“Nasscom has experience with hiring PR companies and legal firms to lobby with US Congress members to drive home particular points. It may be time to do so again in this particular case. We will come to a decision on this soon,” the official said.
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