Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the introduction of a Bill in the US House of Representatives which proposes to restrict H1B and L1 Visas;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the above Bill will adversely affect the IT companies and individual software professionals from India; and
(d) if so, the details of steps taken by the Government to safeguard the interests of IT companies and professionals?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) to (c) As per available information, there are four bills introduced in the US House of Representatives in the 114th Congress (2015-2016) that seek to amend the existing provisions in the H1-B/L1 visa programmes. The amendments envisaged include measures to prevent displacement of American workers; encourage recruitment of U.S. workers in lieu of H1-B and L-1 employees; and increasing the threshold salary for H1-B employees. The current Congress concludes in December 2016 and these bills will lapse if not passed during the current Congress.
(d) Government of India’s concerns over difficulties faced in regard to movement of skilled professionals and discriminatory provisions relating to H1B/L1 visa programmes have been consistently raised with the US Government, including at the highest level. The Government has also engaged with the US Congressional leadership on this issue. Further, the Government has also initiated consultations with the US on this issue at the WTO.