Indians Dominate H-1B Visas: 72% of Allocations Between Oct 2022 & Sept 2023
Indians continued to dominate the H-1B visa allocations, securing 72.3% of all H-1B visas issued by the United States between October 2022 and September 2023, as per data shared by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Indian government informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday about this figure, underlining the critical role of skilled Indian professionals in the US technology and innovation sectors.
In response to questions on possible restrictions on the H-1B visa program, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that India remains in close communication with the US government and other stakeholders. The aim, Singh noted, is to ensure that the program continues to reflect the mutual benefits it offers to both nations.
Reintegration of Migrants Returning to India
Responding to a separate query about Indian migrants returning due to economic downturns or employment instability abroad, Singh clarified that the government does not maintain specific data on such cases. The responsibility for reintegrating returning migrants lies with state governments, which have implemented localized programs to address this issue.
Updates on Indian Students Amid Global Conflicts
In a written response to questions about Indian students affected by ongoing conflicts, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar provided detailed statistics:
- Ukraine Conflict: Before the conflict in Ukraine, 21,928 Indian students were enrolled in universities there. As of November 1, 2024, only 1,802 students remain enrolled.
- Israel and Gaza Conflict: Approximately 900 Indian students are currently pursuing doctoral or postdoctoral studies in STEM fields in Israel. Following the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, India launched ‘Operation Ajay’, facilitating the safe return of 1,309 Indian nationals, including 768 students. Many of these students have since returned to Israel to resume their studies. There are no Indian students in Palestine.
Jaishankar also addressed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on January 19, 2025, stating that India welcomed the development and reiterated its call for humanitarian assistance and dialogue.
Key Highlights of H-1B Visa Relevance
The significant share of H-1B visas secured by Indian nationals underscores the mutual dependency between India and the United States, especially in technology-driven sectors. This data highlights India’s role as a dominant source of skilled talent for the US.
While the government continues to advocate for Indian professionals abroad, its efforts to reintegrate returning migrants and support Indian students impacted by international conflicts showcase a broader commitment to addressing diverse challenges.
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