Business · India Bureau
Skilled talent mobility distinct from immigration policy, says Nasscom
India's IT industry body has clarified that skilled worker mobility and immigration policy represent separate issues, noting that Indian technology firms have increasingly reduced their reliance on H-1B visas while ramping up local hiring in the United States.
LSN India ·
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) has drawn a distinction between immigration frameworks and the movement of skilled professionals across borders, underscoring shifting dynamics in how Indian tech companies operate globally.
According to Nasscom, Indian technology firms have progressively decreased their dependence on H-1B visa sponsorships—the primary mechanism for employing skilled foreign workers in the United States—amid tightening restrictions on the PERM labour certification programme. This shift reflects broader strategic adjustments within the sector.
Instead of relying heavily on visa-dependent models, Indian technology companies have expanded their focus on local hiring initiatives within the US market. This transition allows firms to maintain operational capacity while adapting to regulatory constraints that have made the traditional immigration pathway more restrictive.
The clarification comes as policymakers in various countries continue to debate immigration regulations, which Nasscom suggests should be evaluated separately from the legitimate business need for cross-border talent mobility. The distinction carries implications for how Indian IT services—a significant contributor to the country's exports—adapts its workforce strategies in key international markets.