Article Summary

Infosys CEO Salil Parekh stated that a potential $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike would not significantly impact the company, as the majority of its US workforce does not require visa sponsorship. He highlighted Infosys's localization strategy, including establishing US-based centers and engaging in local hiring, to ensure client service continuity. The company also confirmed it is on track to hire 20,000 freshers in the current fiscal year.

TNP AI: Key Insights

This report offers crucial insight into how leading IT service companies like Infosys are proactively de-risking their operations against potential restrictive H-1B policies by significantly localizing their US workforce. This strategic pivot impacts H-1B dependent professionals by signaling a potential reduction in future visa sponsorships from such firms, while also highlighting a growing emphasis on US-based hiring and talent development.

The discussion around a $100,000 H-1B fee hike, a concept from previous administrations, underscores a persistent policy direction to incentivize domestic hiring. Infosys's stated resilience suggests that even if such stringent measures are implemented in the future, major players may already be well-adapted, potentially altering the overall demand for H-1B visas and the efficacy of future restrictive policies.