Indian industry of information technology seems to get no relief from the increase in the fees of short-term visa. Last year in the month of December, USA announced a hike in short-term visa fee for IT professionals traveling to the US for work.
While talking in this regard, the Deputy US trade Representative Robert Holleyman, during his visit to India said that once a policy becomes a part of the Omnibus Bill in the US then it has to complete its run. The decision or the policy cannot be called off in between.
This matter will be taken up and discussed by the Indian government during the upcoming ‘Strategic and Commercial Dialogue’ scheduled in Delhi on 30th and 31st August 2016, between the two countries.
While speaking with the press at Hyderabad, Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Communications and IT Minister said, "As far as (issue of) H-1B and L1 visa fee hike is concerned, we have taken it up with the highest level (the US government). Even Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) has spoken to US President, I have also taken it up and we will continue doing so."
In context to this R. Chandrashekhar, NASSCOM President stated, “What we have to see on every side is not rhetoric but actions...In this case, the actions which have already been taken, have been discriminatory and are causing injury to the industry and imposing costs.” He commented with reference to the plan of raising the work fees by the US.
Donald Trump is a threat to the most popular work visa for Indian technology experts. Trump’s proposal to raise the minimum wage for H1B visa is definitely not acceptable by NASSCOM.
