According to the Financial Times, the Indian Government is unhappy with a recent bill, H.R. 6080, currently before the U.S. Congress, that would require companies with 50 or more employees and with a U.S. workforce of over 50% H-1B or L-1 workers to pay increased H-1B and L-1 visa fees. India’s commerce minister, Anand  Sharma sent a strongly worded letter stating the L-1 and H-1B provisions were “highly discriminatory” and would have “an adverse impact on the competitiveness and commercial interests of Indian companies sending professionals to undertake projects locally for American customers in the United States.”  

 

Earlier the year, U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, assured India during a visit that the Administration believed in an open economy and would not opt to increase protectionism. President Barak Obama is planning a high-profile visit to India before the end of the year, and visa accessibility will likely be high on India’s agenda.  

 

To view the Financial Times article click here.