FOREIGN WORKERS
Can this American bill topple India's showpiece industry?
The proposed US HIRE Act threatens India’s $250bn IT sector, targeting outsourcing with a 25% tax on payments to foreign firms. While still unlikely to pass, it signals rising protectionism and populist rhetoric under Trump-aligned Republicans. Indian IT services and GCCs, heavily dependent on US clients, face real risks, prompting a need for market diversification and domestic growth.
Quess adds 1.33 lakh new formal jobs, 23% includes women: Pulse report
India's formal economy is expanding, with record EPFO enrollments driven by young workers, as revealed by Quess Corp's report. Female labor force participation is rising, particularly in IT and ITeS sectors. Retail, BFSI, and telecom are key employment sectors, while states like Madhya Pradesh show strong workforce stability. Policy changes and infrastructure improvements are crucial for sustained growth and inclusivity.
WHO asks Taliban to lift female aid worker restrictions following earthquakes
The World Health Organization urges the Taliban to allow female aid workers to assist earthquake victims in Afghanistan. Restrictions prevent women from accessing care. A shortage of female medical staff exacerbates the crisis. The earthquake killed over 2,200 people. Thousands are homeless. Aid cuts and Taliban policies hinder relief efforts.
‘Bring your very smart people legally’: Trump to foreign companies in US after Hyundai plant raid; South Korea to bring home 300 detained workers
After the Hyundai plant raid, Trump said that foreign companies should bring smart people legally and also hire and train American workers. His remarks came after immigration officials arrested 475 workers, most of them South Korean citizens, at the construction site of an electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia. This was the latest in a long line of workplace raids conducted as part of the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda.
South Korea to fly detained workers back as US vows more raids on employers
Following a raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia, South Korea is retrieving its workers. Negotiations for the release of about 300 detained South Koreans are complete. A chartered plane will bring them back after processing. US President Donald Trump addressed foreign companies to respect immigration laws. The incident occurred after a summit pledging closer business ties.
Trump says foreign companies need to train Americans after Hyundai raid
Following a raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia, President Trump urged foreign companies investing in the U.S. to respect immigration laws and prioritize hiring and training American workers. He assured that legal pathways exist for bringing in skilled foreign talent while emphasizing the importance of adhering to U.S. regulations. South Korea is assisting its citizens detained in the operation.
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Inside the Hyundai raid: A monthslong probe that shook Georgia’s EV ambitions
A massive immigration raid at the Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia detained over 475 individuals, including South Korean nationals, halting construction and sparking economic and diplomatic repercussions. The action, targeting alleged visa violations and unlawful hiring, has raised concerns about U.S. visa restrictions and their impact on foreign investment in the EV sector.
IT Inc worries as US may slap tariffs on software exports
India's IT sector faces potential US tariffs on software exports, threatening its largest market and impacting firms already struggling with global uncertainty and AI-driven automation. The proposed tariffs could lead to double taxation and increased costs due to visa restrictions, potentially harming the growth of India-based service providers and GCCs, while raising delivery costs.
Trust is bust despite Donald Trump-initiated thaw in ties with India
Former diplomats caution against trusting Trump's recent conciliatory remarks towards India, viewing them as a tactic to destabilize perceived adversaries. His administration's actions, including sanctions-like measures, have damaged relations with India and alienated allies worldwide.
Did Trump carry out largest US enforcement operation? Chaos in Georgia after 500 detained in Hyundai plant raid
Many South Korean nationals were arrested Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out a raid at a Hyundai battery plant in the state of Georgia on Thursday. The arrested workers were being held at an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia. ICE said arrested workers had violated their visitor visas. Hyundai has responded to the raid and South Korea, a key ally of the US, has expressed concern over the arrest.
What to know about Ireland’s ‘Long-Term Residency’ program
Ireland's Long-Term Residency program offers non-EU citizens a pathway to permanent settlement after five years of legal residence. It attracts skilled workers by providing access to Ireland's job market, healthcare, and education. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including employment and a clean criminal record, to obtain a Stamp 4 Visa, granting them the right to live and work in Ireland.
Want to stay in the UAE? Know which visa works for you
The United Arab Emirates boasts a diverse residency system, featuring visas from short-term work permits to decade-long options for various professionals. The Golden Visa offers long-term residency to investors and specialists, while the Blue Visa targets environmental experts.
Trump's advisor Navarro needles India once again
Peter Navarro, trade advisor to Donald Trump, is stirring controversy by supporting tariffs on foreign remote workers, potentially impacting India's IT services exports. This move resonates with Trump's "America First" agenda, targeting Indian tech workers and outsourcing. While formal tariffs may be challenging, non-tariff barriers could be employed, posing a threat to India's $250+ billion IT industry.
US scrutiny on H-1B visas: MEA stresses mutual benefits of India-US mobility
India has defended the H-1B visa program amid growing US scrutiny over alleged misuse. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the mobility partnership's importance to technology, economic collaboration, innovation, and financial cooperation between the two nations. This response follows US probes into discrimination and concerns that Indian IT firms are leveraging the system to hire lower-cost workers, prompting calls for reforms.
Canada should reform or axe foreign worker visa, British Columbia Premier says
British Columbia's Premier Eby wants changes to Canada's temporary foreign worker program. He cites concerns about youth joblessness and strain on services. Eby links the program to high unemployment and rising demand at shelters. He mentions fraud complaints in Surrey. Conservative leader Poilievre wants to abolish the program. Business groups oppose this, saying it helps small businesses.
H-1B reforms may be next, says USCIS chief as White House readies announcement
The White House is considering changes to the H-1B visa program to protect American workers, according to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow. The administration is weighing a "Weighted Selection" rule and exploring broader reforms, potentially prioritizing higher wages. Simultaneously, the Department of Justice is investigating hiring practices that may favor H-1B workers over US citizens, signaling increased scrutiny of the program.
H-1B visa scrutiny rises as DOJ launches discrimination probes
The US Department of Justice is investigating H-1B visa-related hiring discrimination claims amid calls for program reform. Several probes are underway, examining allegations of companies favoring visa holders over qualified American workers. Policy changes are also reshaping the H-1B process, including a shift to a beneficiary-centric lottery and potential wage-based allocation.
Centre at times begging before US, at times before China: Mamata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP-led Union government of compromising India's prestige before foreign powers, alleging subservience to both the United States and China. She criticized the BJP's opposition to discussing attacks on Bengali migrants in BJP-ruled states, accusing them of suppressing the truth.
Pierre Poilievre pushes to end Temporary Foreign Worker program to protect Canadian jobs
Canada temporary foreign workers: Pierre Poilievre wants Canada to end its Temporary Foreign Worker program. He says it hurts Canadian workers. He proposes a separate program for farm jobs only. The government defends the program. They say it fills needed roles. Migrant rights groups criticize Poilievre's plan. They accuse him of xenophobia.
Two former Assam MLAs resign from BJP and AGP ahead of polls
As Assam gears up for assembly elections, political shifts are evident with Binanda Saikia leaving BJP, citing communalization and individualistic approach. Satyabrata Kalita resigned from AGP, criticizing its subservience to BJP and the disregard for the Assam Accord. Internal dissent simmers within AGP over seat allocation and adherence to regional principles, even as alliance with BJP remains.
Chinese man staged rare protest before big military parade
In Chongqing, China, a man projected anti-Communist slogans onto a skyscraper days before a major military parade in Beijing. The slogans called for the end of Communist Party rule, and the projector was remotely operated from Britain. This act of defiance occurred amidst tight censorship and surveillance, highlighting the rare public dissent against the Chinese government.
Why US government is facing the risk of a shutdown and what services would be affected
US lawmakers return to address critical issues, including the looming government funding deadline at the end of September. A shutdown could furlough federal workers and disrupt services if Congress fails to act. Tensions between Democrats and Republicans, amplified by President Trump's policies and spending cuts, complicate reaching a bipartisan agreement, with potential economic consequences if a prolonged shutdown occurs.
ED initiates probe into Dharmasthala 'foreign funding' case
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating alleged foreign funding used to incite communal unrest during the Dharmasthala controversy. The probe focuses on entities and NGOs suspected of misusing funds. Karnataka BJP protested against the alleged conspiracy. A special investigation team is examining claims of buried bodies. Two activists are under scrutiny for allegedly disturbing communal harmony through social media videos.
Indian IT firms' reliance on it fell over years; are less vulnerable: Mohandas Pai on H-1B concerns
Amidst US scrutiny of H-1B visas, Mohandas Pai, former Infosys CFO, has asserted that Indian IT firms' reliance on these visas has significantly decreased. He highlighted data showing major American tech companies are now among the top applicants.
Kuwait to increase fees for organisations hiring foreign workers
Kuwait plans to increase fees for firms employing foreign workers. This is to boost private-sector jobs for Kuwaiti citizens. The Public Authority for Manpower announced the measures. It is part of Kuwait's Vision 2035 economic strategy. The aim is to reduce reliance on foreign workers. Businesses are encouraged to recruit more Kuwaitis. New laws, training, and incentives are planned.
H1-B visa system is a 'scam', will change it, says US Commerce Secretary Lutnick
The US government plans to reform the H-1B visa and green card system. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick calls the current H1-B visa system a scam. The Trump administration aims for wage-based immigration and merit-driven selection. The goal is to replace the lottery system with a selective model. Past attempts to change the system faced opposition.
Canada sees significant drop in arrival of international students and workers in 2025
Canada experienced a significant drop in new international students and foreign workers in the first half of 2025, with a total decrease of 214,520 arrivals compared to 2024. Work permit holders now constitute a larger proportion of new arrivals, while study permit numbers have sharply declined due to recent policy changes.
Saudi Arabia to expand pension and savings programme to foreign workers
Saudi Arabia is set to launch a voluntary pension and savings programme, including foreign workers for the first time, aiming to boost household savings and reduce remittances. The initiative follows pension reforms increasing retirement age and contribution rates. The IMF welcomes the programme, highlighting its potential to enhance savings and calling for greater transparency in social insurance assets.
Why Trump’s America can’t do without Indians
Central bankers at Jackson Hole warned developed economies face labor shortages without foreign workers, especially as US policies under Trump restrict immigration, impacting Indian skilled workers vital to STEM and healthcare. A CBO report highlights the US population decline by 2033 without immigration, leading to slower growth. The US needs Indian workers but policies push them away, risking economic consequences.
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