India on Friday criticised the US suspension of eight technology companies from the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme, saying the move does not advance the shared ambitions of the two countries.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also called remarks describing foreign workers as “indentured servants” “deeply offensive”, defending Indian professionals as highly skilled contributors to the US economy.
In a statement, the MEA said PERM was distinct from the H-1B visa programme and clarified that the suspension did not, by itself, affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of visa holders and their dependents. However, it could affect the Green Card or permanent‑residency process for eligible employees of the companies concerned.
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