H1B visa curb: India to seek discussion on work visa suspension by US

Delhi: India will seek a separate discussion on the suspension of work visas, ordered by US President Donald Trump on Monday, independent of the trade negotiations between the two countries, top government officials told ET.

The contentious order, widely criticised by global technology leaders, disallows grant of fresh visas until December 31, jeopardising the prospects of thousands of skilled workers worldwide with Indian engineers likely to be the most affected. “While the move is not specific to India, we will push for it as labour mobility is a key concern and a significant number of people benefit from it,” the official said. Washington’s move is likely to put around 20,000 Indian H-1B applicants at a disadvantage this year, according to Indian government estimates.