VISA CONSULTANCY FIRMS
Chinese firms turn from ‘Panda’ to ‘Skunk’ as US tensions flare
Chinese investments in the US have trailed behind smaller economies like Spain and Singapore in recent years, according to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Visa fee hike hits IT cos; Airport cab fares set to rise
Happy Friday! The hike in H-1B visa fee will hurt IT service companies severely, experts have warned. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Ankush Aggarwal returns to Ola Cabs; declining H-1B visas for IT staff
Happy Tuesday! Ola Cabs founder Bhavish Aggarwal’s brother Ankush is back at the ride-hailing business. More on this in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Indian IT’s reliance on H-1B dropped 56% over past 8 years
Indian IT companies’ reliance on H-1B visas has fallen over the years as they have ramped up local hiring in the US. High denial rates during the Trump administration along with tightening of the immigration regime have also decreased visa usage, experts said.
Reddit user alleges TCS suspended him for reporting security incident
TCS employee on Reddit suspended for whistleblowing security incident involving personal laptops and shared login credentials. Allegations include preferential treatment in recruitment and employment discrimination in the US.
Paris, Milan become the new favourite shopping destinations for travellers after London's 'Tourist Tax'
After Brexit, the UK discontinued tax-free shopping incentives, leading thousands of tourists to redirect their shopping to Paris, Milan, and Madrid. Despite lobbying efforts, the UK remains steadfast in its decision. The shift has resulted in increased spending per person, particularly in France and Italy. While some argue the policy negatively impacts tourism, the UK government asserts it benefits public finances.
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Indian students jittery over pro-Palestine protests in US universities
With protests in support of Palestine intensifying on American university campuses, Indian students and their parents are feeling anxious about seeking admission there. If these protests continue to spread, it might affect the number of students choosing to enroll in US universities this upcoming fall semester.
In line of fire: US campus protests a stress test for Indians
Tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have caused disruptions on US campuses, leaving Indian students and their parents anxious. Some students participating in protests have been detained, while others face challenges such as switching to online classes.
Buying a home in Dubai? Do a FEMA reality check
Navigating property purchases in Dubai can be a regulatory maze for Indians due to foreign exchange laws. Deals offering easy payment plans with instalments over years may violate FEMA. Regulations permit remittance of $250,000 per individual annually for property purchases abroad. However, transactions involving 'instalments' create obligations in foreign exchange, potentially breaching FEMA rules.
American techies accuse TCS of firing them in favour of Indians on H-1B visa
TCS has been accused of favoring H-1B visa holders over Americans, facing discrimination claims based on race and age. Denies allegations, emphasizing equal opportunity.
Human trafficking network: CBI files case against 19 entities/individuals
ET has seen a copy of the FIR. Some of the alleged human traffickers booked are residents of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Haryana. The CBI alleged that the accused "themselves and through their agents trafficked Indian nationals to Russia on the pretext of getting jobs related to the Russian army, security guards, helper, better life, job, and education, and a huge amount was charged from these persons illegally".
CBI busts human trafficking network sending Indians to Russia-Ukraine war zone
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered a significant human trafficking network that deceived Indians into traveling to the war zone between Russia and Ukraine under the guise of providing lucrative jobs abroad. The agency is conducting searches at over 10 locations across seven cities as part of its investigation. This comes after the tragic death of Mohammed Afsan, a 30-year-old man from Hyderabad, who was misled into joining the Russian army and was killed in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Dubai’s Golden Visas are helping the city defy global office slump
Dubai's economy is thriving as it attracts expatriates, expands business licenses, and experiences high demand for commercial real estate. From crypto investors to rich Indians looking for second homes, as well as young job seekers, the city's reforms and flexible residency rules have made it a desirable destination for individuals and businesses, leading to population growth and increased investment.
UK employers rush to fill Skilled Worker Visa applications ahead of cost surge
UK employers are rushing to file visa applications for skilled workers before immigration rule changes take effect in April. The alterations proposed by the UK government are set to raise the costs of hiring overseas personnel, causing companies to accelerate hiring plans and renew existing visas to secure their current status.
E-rupee push: RBI looks to tokenise government securities, customer deposits
Investors would be able to purchase government securities and other bonds using digital currency in their wallets. This would have the twin benefit of widening digital currency usage beyond the simple merchant payments at present and also help boost retail participation in the government bond market.
Tech boost? several US federal contracts up for renewal in next two quarters
Experts are of the view that while it's still hard for Indian companies to crack large US federal deals that are up for renewals over the next two quarters, there is a more positive attitude towards Indian-heritage suppliers.
Three immigration agents held for forging bank statements of visa seekers
Embassy officials review bank statements to ensure that visa seekers meet the financial requirements for their intended stay in the host country. A bank statement would show that the applicant has enough cash in his account to support him during the visit.
These are the best countries to start or join a business in 2024
Drawing from the latest statistics and trends across various sources, the following countries emerge as prime choices for starting or joining a business in 2024. However, personal preferences, business goals, target market, industry sector, financial limitations, risk tolerance, and growth potential also play pivotal roles. Thorough research and consultation with experts are recommended before reaching any decisions.
Gujarat: 17 visa consultancy firms raided over document irregularity complaints
Several visa consultant firms were under the scanner after complaints were received that people going abroad, especially to the USA, Canada and Australia, were forced to return to India from airports abroad despite paying huge amounts to these consultancy firms to help procure visa, he said. Pandian said documents, including mark sheets of universities in other states, passports and copies of passports, stamps, computers, hard disks and Rs 5.5 lakh cash were among items that were seized during the raids.
Cyclone Michaung: US Consulate in Chennai shut, all appointments cancelled for second day
Cyclone Michaung has already disrupted normal life in Tamil Nadu, particularly impacting Chennai. The state capital witnessed heavy rainfall, resulting in waterlogging of subways and arterial roads. Operations at Chennai airport were temporarily suspended, with 70 flights canceled due to continuous rains.
Cyclone Michaung: US Consulate in Chennai cancels all visa appointments; VFS Global shares advisory
"Cyclone Michaung is expected to bring very heavy rainfall and strong winds to the northern coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, beginning Sunday afternoon, December 3, and continuing through December 4. Consequently, the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai will be closed on Monday, December 4," the US Consulate said in a statement.
Indians dethrone British to become largest real estate investors in Dubai
The Betterhomes Residential Market Report showed Indians topping the nationalities list in the June and September quarters - up from No. 2 in the first quarter when Britishers led the field - in the purchase of new homes for end-user demand or investors seeking better yields and Golden Visa eligibility. Indians have consistently been among the top five homebuyers in Dubai.
UK’s post-study work opportunities and Graduate Route visa are a big draw for Indian students
The UK has become a popular destination for Indian students, with a 54% increase in the number of Indian students going to study there in 2023 compared to the previous year. Factors contributing to this trend include the availability of one-year master's programs, the introduction of the Graduate Route which allows students to stay and work for up to two years after completing their degrees, and the relatively low cost of education compared to other study abroad destinations.
Consultancy firm fined for botching up US visa appointment, told to refund fee
Y-Axis Solutions Private Limited was directed by the Hyderabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-III to refund complainant Thanthonri Dhandhayuthapani the full fee amount of 17,500 along with 12% interest from the date of payment, pay a compensation of 5,000 and cover costs of 2,000 for their negligence in a US visa appointment request.
Global accounting firms set up shop in India's smaller cities
Business service exports have become a critical part of India's economy but the sector has been hit by a slowdown in global demand for software and challenges in big urban centres such as rising costs, high attrition and slow progress in getting workers to return to the office after the pandemic.
Fake US immigration consultancy racket busted in Hyderabad, 4 persons arrested
The bogus immigration consultancy located in Secunderabad was run by Wilson Chowdary, who was among the arrested persons. It had illegally created fake Telangana government employee identity cards, sponsorship letters and other documents aside from collecting huge amounts of money from gullible job aspirants, a press release from Rachakonda Police Commissionerate said.
Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar on earnings, company’s vision & ChatGPT; Visa launches CVV-free online transactions
Ravi Kumar S, who took over as the chief of US-headquartered IT firm Cognizant four months ago, has termed the last quarter “historic” amid a cautious macro environment.
Angel tax: valuation rules under review; online gaming firms miffed with IAMAI
The Budget 2023-24, presented in Parliament last week, sparked fears of the government bringing foreign investors under the ambit of angel tax provisions. The Centre may now examine the valuation rules which, the experts say, may lead to disputes because valuation is an estimate based on multiple futuristic presumptions
Software exporters battle onsite strength reduction as attrition, visa issues tighten grip
Onsite attrition has become a trend across the board in the information technology (IT) sector, data from staffing firm TeamLease show.
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