START-UPS TRY TO WOO TALENT BACK TO INDIA

With the uncertain business environment triggered by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and immigration-related issues, many talented Indians in the US are being forced to return. Start-ups and software companies are seeing this as an opportunity to enrich their talent base.

According to industry experts, a stricter visa regime and closure of onshore opportunities in the US are likely to result in a reverse brain drain.

Indian start-ups and software product companies are trying to attract engineers and programmers who are either stranded in India because of the lockdown or H1B visa holders who have been laid off. They are also setting sights on those who are contemplating moving back home due to uncertainties around the visa processing, say HR firms and industry experts.

“Product-based start-ups that have funds are luring midlevel workers having skills in front-end architect solutions and product development. The global exposure of such candi

dates is an added advantage," said Aditya Narayan Mishra, chief executive officer (CEO) of CIEL HR Services.

Last Monday, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to restrict H1B and other non-immigration visas until the end of 2020. Around 1,500 visa holders, who visited India before the lockdown for medical emergencies and vacations, are also in limbo because of the executive order.

Also, the current federal rules require an H1B visa hold

er to leave the US along with family members within 60 days of losing their jobs. Those on H1B visas are not eligible for unemployment and social security benefits.

“Visa holders stuck in India, too, have been furloughed or given an option to temporarily work in offshore locations in Hyderabad or Bengaluru or transferred to other projects without the employee's consent. So, these employees are exploring local opportunities,” he added.