In order to discuss the issue raised by Indian IT firms on the proposed changes in the regime for issuing H-1B visas for skilled workers by the US government, Commerce and Industry Ministry will soon hold a meeting with industry including Nasscom which have significant presence in the US. The Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the proposed changes in the H-1B visa regime will have an impact on Indian firms and added that they are constantly in touch with the Consulate Office in the US.
Sitharaman further said that the meeting will be held once Parliament announces a recess from its proceedings. She said that in the meeting they will discuss about how they are working out in this environment and what their strategy is to deal with this matter. She added that they are also going to have a clear exchange and discussions with industry and after that she will be able to have a clearer picture of where the industry is.
The Minister added that the changes that could have financial implications, such as doubling the minimum wage requirement, can be brought about only through Congressional approval and not executive order, indicating the government had time to take a calibrated decision. The Minister pointed out that there are several nuances to the law proposed by the US. She said 'It is a call which is possibly going to happen through an executive order which will mean a few things...Probably, we will have to wait for Congress approval. Further commenting about the increasing global protectionism, the commerce minister has said that it is increasing during the time when global demand is also not picking up.