GTech to seek Centre’s intervention as U.S. Green Card curbs hit IT giants

GTech, a non-profit industry body representing major IT and BPM organizations in Kerala, plans to seek government intervention to address the impact of the U.S. government's suspension of major Indian IT firms from the Green Card programme. The suspension affects eight major technology and IT service firms, including Indian giants Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Cognizant.

Microsoft, Adobe, and Capgemini are the other affected companies. Jijo G. John, chairman of GTech, expressed concern over the impact on Indian employees and the disappointment for those eagerly awaiting their Green Cards. Despite the Ministry of External Affairs clarifying that existing H-1B visas and status of H-1B visa holders remain unaffected, the suspension could still impact the permanent residency or Green Card process for eligible employees.

Progressive Techies, a collective of IT employees, saw a potential upside in the talent pool returning to India, benefiting the IT industry and the country's technological advancement in the long term. However, tech entrepreneur Nandakishore Harikumar cautioned that the move could hurt the U.S. as well, due to the cost advantage and the allure of the Indian market.