We Can Convert Disaster into Opportunity

ALL FRONTLINE national dailies have nicely covered what is in store for Indian students and tech giants after the USA came down heavily on the H-1B visa regime.

- By Krishan Kalra

However, I also see light at the end of the long dark tunnel. There's always another side to the coin and in this case too, there are several possibilities to meet the situation. Fortunately, our government and the brave prime minister do not seem to be in a mood to back down and would, hopefully, support all domestic efforts to bolster our own strengths in the field. Here's an off-the-cuff plan of action.

First of all, there's a possibility that the unbearable visa fees are bound to deter both potential Indian employees from planning a career in the USA as well as American big-tech employers from hiring them after paying the impossible sponsorship fees. It is a fact that the American firms use a huge share of the H1B visas. This may push more jobs to India with our own tech biggies as well as GCCs. This itself would partially offset the effect of loss of business by big tech firms. There is also the clear possibility of our bright guys and girls seeking opportunities in countries other than the USA. Already, there are signs that our people are welcome in Germany, the UK, Canada, Ireland and some other places too. Recently the German ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, told the Times of India, “Germany is ready to welcome Indian IT professionals and students after US torpedoing of its H-1B visa programme”. He went on to add, “Germany does not change its rules overnight; highly skilled Indians are welcome to join our country's thriving job market”. Executive Director of UK's Startup Coalition Policy Body has openly asked their home secretary to 'seize the opportunity from the H1B conundrum'. In short, the 'rest of the West is laying out the Red Carpet for Indian Tech Talent'. Even China has announced a K-visa programme to woo global talent - including Indians - in STEM fields.