New Delhi,Government is aware of the procedural
difficulties faced by Indian professionals in obtaining US visas, and the
impact of measures such as increases in visa fees. Government also recognizes
that visa policy and procedures are the prerogative of the receiving country
and that the US policies on visas are not India-specific. However, the
facilitation of trans-border movement of professionals and business travelers
has a trade-related aspect as well. Therefore, the Government uses every
opportunity, including during trade-related meetings, to raise with the US
Government India’s concerns over difficulties faced by Indian companies in
obtaining appropriate visas for their professionals. An India-US Consular
Dialogue was set up in 2010 to address Indian concerns on these and other
related issues.
In response to the concerns raised by the Government at various meetings with
US officials, US authorities have pointed out that India was the largest
recipient of US H-1B visas in Fiscal Year 2011 and 2012. They have noted that
out of the total H-1B petitions approved by the US Government globally in FY
2012, nearly 64% were issued to applicants whose country of birth was India.
This marked an increase from nearly 58 % in FY 2011. In absolute terms, in FY
2011, out of a total of 2,69,563 H-1B petitions approved by the US Government
worldwide, 1,56,317 were from India. In FY 2012, out of a total of 2,62, 569
H-1B petitions approved, 1,68,367 were from India.Since there remain
significant concerns among Indian firms regarding the process of securing visas
for professionals, Government continues to reflect these concerns with the US
side.
This Information was given by the Minister of state
in the Ministry of External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs Gen. Retd. Dr.
V. K. Singh in Lok Sabha today.
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