India Condemns US PERM Suspension Impacting Major IT Firms

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed strong disapproval on Friday regarding the US Department of Labor's suspension of eight technology companies from the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program. This action includes major Indian IT firms such as Infosys, Wipro, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and is seen as counterproductive to the collaborative goals of both nations.

The MEA highlighted that the PERM program is separate from the H-1B visa system, clarifying that while the suspension does not invalidate current H-1B visas, it could hinder the Green Card application process for eligible employees at the affected companies. The ministry emphasized that the comments labeling foreign workers as "indentured servants" are not only unwarranted but also overlook the significant contributions of Indian professionals to the US economy and innovation landscape.

In its statement, the MEA noted that talent mobility is beneficial for both the US and Indian economies, fostering innovation, productivity, and job creation. The ministry underscored that Indian professionals are highly educated and play a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of US companies. The US's recent actions, according to the MEA, do not align with the shared ambitions of both countries.

The suspension prevents the affected companies from submitting new PERM applications or processing existing ones, potentially disrupting the permanent residency applications for their employees. However, the MEA reassured that existing H-1B visa holders would not be impacted directly by this suspension.

Looking ahead, the MEA intends to monitor the situation closely and engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the mutual benefits of talent mobility are recognized and upheld. The ministry remains committed to advocating for the interests of Indian professionals in the US, emphasizing their value in driving economic growth and innovation.