(Image source from: The Atlantic)

The United States has issued between 67 and 72 percent of the total H-1B visas to Indian nationals in last five years, the Ministry of External Affairs said Wednesday.  

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the American companies to recruit foreign workers in specialty occupations that necessitate technical or theoretical expertise.

In response to a question in Lok Sabha, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said no comprehensive changes have been made to the H-1B visa program so far.

"The Indian government has closely consulted all stakeholders and engaged with the U.S. administration and the Congress on issues related to the movement of Indian professionals, including those pertaining to the H-1B program," he said.

"Most recently, issues of H-1B visa were raised during the visit of the U.S. Secretary of State, Michael R Pompeo, to India on June 26, 2019. In our engagements, we have emphasized that this has been a mutually-beneficial partnership which should be nurtured," he added.

He gave out statistics according to which Indian nationals have received between 67 and 72 percent of the total H-1B visas issued by the United States in the last five years.

According to the data, 125,528 Indian nationals were issued H1-B visas in 2018 whereas 129,097 Indian nationals were issued H1-B visas in 2017.

In 2016, 126,692 Indian nationals were issued H1-B visa while in 2015, as many as 119,952 Indian nationals were granted H1-B visa.

"H-1B visa has played an important role in facilitating the movement of talented Indian professionals. The United States Government has adopted certain administrative measures with respect to the H-1B visa program that has introduced greater scrutiny of H-1B applications and increased documentation requirements," he said.

By Sowmya Sangam