Nasscom wishes US to exempt tech personnel from H-1B visa suspensions
IT industry physique Nasscom on Friday sought exemption for technology workers from restrictions which may be imposed in the US, saying such staff is usually playing an important role in keeping crucial infrastructure operating in America.
The statement comes amid reports that the US is considering suspension of several employment visas including the H-1B - which is a lot sought-after among Indian IT professionals - because of the large unemployment in America as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
Nasscom said as businesses reopen, it is vital for the US to gain access to skill critical to the restoration phase, and American enterprises want usage of essential technology employees who are actually keeping critical infrastructure operating.
“These include health care, hospitals and online services and playing key functions to develop treatments because of this disease-to name a few essential services. Highly skilled employees on non-immigrant visas (NIVs) such as for example H-1Bs and L-1s, are playing vital roles in the delivery of the services and the creation of these products,” Nasscom stated in a statement.
It added that without their continued contributions, “the monetary pain would worsen, industry would slow, and the timeline for cure and remedy could lengthen”.
“Given this, we look for exemption for technology personnel as essential staff, from any restrictions which may be imposed in another White Property Proclamation. Priorities founded by DHS’ CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Firm) that designates key types of ICT staff as essential support, should support define the types of necessary workers,” it said.
Nasscom explained that demand for high-tech skills remains to be strong among companies in america labour marketplace, even amidst the existing COVID-19 crisis.
Unemployment rate for computer occupations (those most common between H-1B visa holders) declined from 3 % found in January 2020 to 2.5 % in May 2020, while unemployment rate for all the occupations grew from 4.1 per cent in January 2020 to 13.5 per cent in-may 2020, it said.
Also, in the 30-day period ending May 13, 2020, there have been over 6,25,000 active job vacancy postings advertised online for jobs in keeping computer occupations, including those virtually all common to H-1B visa holders, Nasscom said citing analysis of Bureau of Labour Statistics’ Current Population Survey simply by the National Basis for American Policy.
“The info raises significant questions about employing the argument of unemployment fee for computer specialists to justify the brand new restrictions upon H-1B visa holders and overseas students working on optional practical training (OPT),” it said.
The industry body said non-immigrant visa programmes just like the H1-B and L-1 enable the united states businesses to bridge the STEM skills deficit and access qualified tech workforce unavailable locally, thereby ensuring they can deliver on projects that keep them on the leading-edge of global competitiveness.
