Harsh Vardhan says that the H-1B holders are quite anxious about the administration review onthe non-immigrants regime that will soon come up with restrictions on the H-1B visa.
Further, he said, India hopes that the US’ review of non-immigration visa will take into account concerns of H1-B visa holders.
According to Harsh Vardhan, as a part of the totalization agreement, Modi discussed this with Trump when he visited India in February. The Government of India spoke to stakeholders engaged with the US government on this issue.
The Foreign Secretary considers the fact that even the US economy has changed because of the virus. Yet he believes that a realistic and effective approach must be looked at. They have decided to work on specific issues one at a time.
In engagements with the US, India has emphasized that this has been a mutually-beneficial partnership which should be nurtured, he said.
India has been engaged with the US and he feels that this mutually-beneficial partnership should be taken care of. The US Government was approached on the matter concerning the issue of temporary relief for H1-B visa holders whose visas were expiring in this period, much before the lockdown.
India has always been a contributor to technology and innovation domains. This has always been good for building the Indo-US strategic partnership.
Shringla said, High skilled Indian professionals working in the US through H1-B and related non-immigrant visa regimes bridge the crucial skill gap and provide technological and competitive edge to the US companies.
At this point of time, not to forget to mention, Indians have been a great example in proving their skills with their engagement in the fight against COVID across various fields including doctors, nurses, tech workers and developing solutions for companies fighting the epidemic.
He says, “We hope the review of non-immigration visa by the US government will take into account the long-term benefits of H1B visa for US competitiveness and not affect provision of essential services at this critical hour.”
In the end, he said that the Government has always focused on increasing the use of technology and digitalization to reform governance, and increase equal working opportunities for a strong economic and social economy that is good for people.
