Rubio says new US work visa rules are not aimed at India

what happened

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tried to ease concerns in India over recent changes to US work visa rules. In an interview with India Today News during his visit to India, he said Washington's priority is American workers and national interests. He argued that the measures affect Indians but are not directed at any single country.

On October 9, the US Labor Department suspended several large IT outsourcing firms, including Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL and Capgemini, from the Permanent Labor Certification Program, the green card process. Microsoft and Adobe were also suspended. The department cited multiple active federal investigations. Shortly afterward, the Department of Homeland Security proposed new fees for F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training.

India has argued that the movement of skilled professionals benefits both countries and that the recent measures do not support their shared goals.

why it matters

For markets, the main exposure is Indian IT services companies, whose business model relies heavily on H-1B workers. Limits on green card processing and new fees could raise costs and complicate hiring, which matters for sector shares.

market impact

Indian IT outsourcing: visa and green card limits may raise costs and pressure the sector

tags

instruments