India wants certainty, transparency in US visa regime: Nirmala - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

India wants certainty, transparency in US visa regime: Nirmala

ByPTI, New Delhi
Feb 21, 2017 02:05 PM IST

India today pitched for certainty in the US visa regime arguing that businesses flourish only in a stable environment. Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the issue has been discussed in detail with a group of US Congressmen.

India today pitched for certainty in the US visa regime arguing that businesses flourish only in a stable environment.

Commerce & Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pitched for transparency and certainty in the US visa regime in her meeting with US lawmakers.(PTI)
Commerce & Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pitched for transparency and certainty in the US visa regime in her meeting with US lawmakers.(PTI)

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the issue has been discussed in detail with a group of US Congressmen.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“We have discussed in detail as to what the uncertainties are all about...business always flourishes in an environment of certainty and transparency. So even this visa related issue is an issue on which we would want to have an air of certainty and also transparency,” she told reporters.

She said the bipartisan Congressmen stated at a meeting here yesterday that they are waiting for the new administration to fully settle down.

“I hope as important Congressmen, they will play their role,” she said.

The minister was speaking on the sidelines of launch of a report by the United Nations.

The US delegation was led by Bob Goodlatte, chairman, Judiciary committee, House of Representatives.

The proposed overhaul of popular H-1B visa regime by US President Donald Trump has raised concerns among Indian IT firms, as any changes in the visa regime may result in higher operational costs and shortage of skilled workers for the USD 110-billion Indian outsourcing industry.

Indian IT sector, which contributes 9.3% to the country’s GDP, is one of the largest private sector employers of 3.7 million people.

The US accounts for nearly 62% of the exports, while EU is the second largest market for the Indian IT services exporters with around 28% contribution.

Recently, a US legislation (Lofgren Bill) has been introduced that proposes doubling of the minimum wages of H-1B visa holders to USD 130,000. The current H-1B minimum wage of $ 60,000 was fixed in 1989 and has since remained unchanged.

Such protectionist stance by the US could also spell more trouble for IT firms that are already facing strong headwinds from currency fluctuation and cautious client spending.

When asked about her meeting with a EU delegation yesterday, Sitharaman said the proposed free trade agreement and the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) came up for the discussion.

“They did ask me about our position on FTA and BIT...We stated our position. Clearly two years ago, the discussions have started on the BIT...last one year we repeatedly being saying that from April 1. So we voiced all this back again to the EU delegation,” she added.

On the FTA, she said no timeline was fixed for the next round of negotiations but “I did say that the sooner we start”.

“We are open minded and we need to have the dialogue moving forward and we are waiting for the dates. We reminded that talks are necessary. Now the talks have to be resumed. There is no point in meet just to take stalk of where we are,” the minister added.

Launched in June 2007, BTIA negotiations have seen many hurdles with both sides having major differences on crucial issues like intellectual property rights, duty cuts in automobile as well as spirits and a liberal visa regime.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away!- Login Now!
Stay informed on Business News along with Gold Rates Today, India News and other related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On