President Joe Biden attempted a political high-wire act Tuesday by announcing a citizenship pathway for half a million immigrants married to US nationals, in a counterweight to his recent crackdown on illegal border crossers.

US: Biden relaxes immigration rules ahead of Presidential Polls

In a move to curb the global proliferation of commercial spyware, the United States has announced a comprehensive plan to restrict visas for abusers and manufacturers involved in the sale of encryption-busting malware, as reported by the Financial Times (FT).<o:p></o:p>

The measure aims to address the pervasive issue of spyware, a multibillion-dollar industry linked to the repression of dissidents worldwide. <o:p></o:p>

The US State Department revealed on Monday that the visa ban specifically targets manufacturers who derive "financial benefit" from selling military-grade spyware to countries engaged in its abuse.<o:p></o:p>

Crucial Accountability Measure: Visa ban to target manufacturers<o:p></o:p>

According to the FT report, the newly announced visa ban builds upon a March 2022 executive order that prohibited US government agencies from purchasing spyware from manufacturers accused of selling to countries that misuse it. <o:p></o:p>

The US State Department emphasises that the measure is designed to hold spyware manufacturers accountable, particularly those accused of financially benefiting from the sale of such technology to countries engaged in abuse. <o:p></o:p>

Spyware industry's global reach and national security threat<o:p></o:p>

The US government has identified the spyware industry, capable of bypassing smartphone encryption to remotely mirror content, as a threat to national security. <o:p></o:p>

By March 2023, at least 50 government employees working abroad were discovered to have been surreptitiously surveilled by spyware, raising counter-intelligence concerns. <o:p></o:p>

FT cited a senior US official who highlighted the significance of travel to the United States for those in the spyware sector, emphasising the need for accountability among individuals involved in misuse or enabling misuse.<o:p></o:p>

Growing Tough Stance: US prioritises action against spyware manufacturers<o:p></o:p>

The Biden administration has adopted an increasingly robust stance against spyware manufacturers, with a focus on preventing their products from falling into the wrong hands. <o:p></o:p>

Most manufacturers, including Israel's NSO Group, have faced scrutiny. <o:p></o:p>

Israel, considering spyware as a weapon, regulates its sale to allies.<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;Despite the impact of the US government's blacklisting and executive orders, the effectiveness of preventing spyware deployment on dissidents and human rights advocates remains uncertain. <o:p></o:p>

Last week, reports surfaced of at least 35 people in Jordan targeted with the NSO Group's Pegasus spyware, raising questions about the broader impact of these policies.<o:p></o:p>

Impact on NSO group and industry dynamics<o:p></o:p>

The US Commerce Department's blacklisting of NSO Group, combined with the 2022 executive order, played a pivotal role in scuttling a potential sale of the company to a US defence contractor. <o:p></o:p>

This move cut off NSO from crucial dealings with US companies providing servers and IT equipment.<o:p></o:p>

While NSO has continued its operations, competitors have emerged in European Union countries. <o:p></o:p>

The US official in correspondence with FT refrained from specifying the impact on individual countries or entities but emphasised the signal being sent to those involved in both misuse and enabling misuse of spyware.<o:p></o:p>

Ongoing challenges and need for global awareness<o:p></o:p>

Despite the US government's concerted efforts, challenges persist in preventing spyware misuse. <o:p></o:p>

Recent findings revealed targets in Jordan, including Human Rights Watch researchers and a renowned radio journalist, illustrating the ongoing challenges faced by dissidents and activists.

According to the US official, the implementation of visa restrictions on spyware abusers and manufacturers serves as an important signal that extends not only to those directly involved in the misuse of spyware but also to individuals who facilitate such misuse.<o:p></o:p>

In a move to curb the global proliferation of commercial spyware, the United States has announced a comprehensive plan to restrict visas for abusers and manufacturers involved in the sale of encryption-busting malware, as reported by the Financial Times (FT).

In a move to curb the global proliferation of commercial spyware, the United States has announced a comprehensive plan to restrict visas for abusers and manufacturers involved in the sale of encryption-busting malware, as reported by the Financial Times (FT). The measure aims to address the pervasive issue of spyware, a multibillion-dollar industry linked to the repression of dissidents worldwide. The US State Department revealed on Monday that the visa ban specifically targets manufacturers who derive "financial benefit" from selling military-grade spyware to countries engaged in its abuse. Crucial Accountability Measure: Visa ban to target manufacturers According to the FT report, the newly announced visa ban builds upon a March 2022 executive order that prohibited US government agencies from purchasing spyware from manufacturers accused of selling to countries that misuse it. The US State Department emphasises that the measure is designed to hold spyware manufacturers accountable, particularly those accused of financially benefiting from the sale of such technology to countries engaged in abuse. Spyware industry's global reach and national security threat The US government has identified the spyware industry, capable of bypassing smartphone encryption to remotely mirror content, as a threat to national security. By March 2023, at least 50 government employees working abroad were discovered to have been surreptitiously surveilled by spyware, raising counter-intelligence concerns. FT cited a senior US official who highlighted the significance of travel to the United States for those in the spyware sector, emphasising the need for accountability among individuals involved in misuse or enabling misuse. Growing Tough Stance: US prioritises action against spyware manufacturers The Biden administration has adopted an increasingly robust stance against spyware manufacturers, with a focus on preventing their products from falling into the wrong hands. Most manufacturers, including Israel's NSO Group, have faced scrutiny. Israel, considering spyware as a weapon, regulates its sale to allies. Despite the impact of the US government's blacklisting and executive orders, the effectiveness of preventing spyware deployment on dissidents and human rights advocates remains uncertain. Last week, reports surfaced of at least 35 people in Jordan targeted with the NSO Group's Pegasus spyware, raising questions about the broader impact of these policies. Impact on NSO group and industry dynamics The US Commerce Department's blacklisting of NSO Group, combined with the 2022 executive order, played a pivotal role in scuttling a potential sale of the company to a US defence contractor. This move cut off NSO from crucial dealings with US companies providing servers and IT equipment. While NSO has continued its operations, competitors have emerged in European Union countries. The US official in correspondence with FT refrained from specifying the impact on individual countries or entities but emphasised the signal being sent to those involved in both misuse and enabling misuse of spyware. Ongoing challenges and need for global awareness Despite the US government's concerted efforts, challenges persist in preventing spyware misuse. Recent findings revealed targets in Jordan, including Human Rights Watch researchers and a renowned radio journalist, illustrating the ongoing challenges faced by dissidents and activists. According to the US official, the implementation of visa restrictions on spyware abusers and manufacturers serves as an important signal that extends not only to those directly involved in the misuse of spyware but also to individuals who facilitate such misuse.

US imposes visa restrictions on spyware abusers and manufacturers: Report

The Unites States has announced visa restrictions for certain individuals. The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption. Watch to know more.

WION Dispatch: U.S. imposing visa restrictions for certain Nigerians

Days after Washington imposed visa restrictions on several Chinese officials, accusing them of infringing on the autonomy of Hong Kong, China announced similar measures against some US officials.&nbsp;

According to The South China Morning Post, Beijing has imposed visa restrictions on the United States officials who have "behaved extremely badly" on the issue of Hong Kong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-visa-restrictions-on-chinese-officials-over-hong-kong-issue-308910">US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials over Hong Kong issue</a>

Earlier, the US had imposed visa restrictions against Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials in retaliation to Beijing`s policies in Hong Kong.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said the United States would restrict visas for unspecified current and former officials of the Chinese Communist Party "who were responsible for eviscerating Hong Kong's freedoms."

"President Trump promised to punish the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials who were responsible for eviscerating Hong Kong`s freedoms. Today, we are taking action to do just that," he had said while announcing the visa restrictions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-us-china-to-impose-visa-restrictions-against-americans-over-hong-kong-row-309353">After US, China to impose visa restrictions against Americans over Hong Kong row</a>

"Beijing`s continued actions undermine its commitments and obligations in the Sino-British Joint Declaration to respect Hong Kong`s high degree of autonomy. At the same time, Beijing continues to undermine human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong by putting pressure on local authorities to arrest pro-democracy activists and disqualify pro-democracy electoral candidates," he added.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong has witnessed sporadic protests since June 2019 condemning the increasing influence of the Chinese on the special administrative region.

The latest wave of protests was caused by a security bill tailored by Beijing for Hong Kong.

The security legislation, which bans secessionist activities, among other things, is seen by Hong Kong residents as undermining their liberties. However, both Hong Kong's leadership and the central government say the bill would not affect the legitimate rights of the residents.&nbsp;

Days after Washington imposed visa restrictions on several Chinese officials, accusing them of infringing on the autonomy of Hong Kong, China announced similar measures against some US officials.

Days after Washington imposed visa restrictions on several Chinese officials, accusing them of infringing on the autonomy of Hong Kong, China announced similar measures against some US officials. According to The South China Morning Post, Beijing has imposed visa restrictions on the United States officials who have "behaved extremely badly" on the issue of Hong Kong. Also read: US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials over Hong Kong issue Earlier, the US had imposed visa restrictions against Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials in retaliation to Beijing`s policies in Hong Kong. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said the United States would restrict visas for unspecified current and former officials of the Chinese Communist Party "who were responsible for eviscerating Hong Kong's freedoms." "President Trump promised to punish the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials who were responsible for eviscerating Hong Kong`s freedoms. Today, we are taking action to do just that," he had said while announcing the visa restrictions. Also read: After US, China to impose visa restrictions against Americans over Hong Kong row "Beijing`s continued actions undermine its commitments and obligations in the Sino-British Joint Declaration to respect Hong Kong`s high degree of autonomy. At the same time, Beijing continues to undermine human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong by putting pressure on local authorities to arrest pro-democracy activists and disqualify pro-democracy electoral candidates," he added. Meanwhile, Hong Kong has witnessed sporadic protests since June 2019 condemning the increasing influence of the Chinese on the special administrative region. The latest wave of protests was caused by a security bill tailored by Beijing for Hong Kong. The security legislation, which bans secessionist activities, among other things, is seen by Hong Kong residents as undermining their liberties. However, both Hong Kong's leadership and the central government say the bill would not affect the legitimate rights of the residents.

In tit for tat, China imposes visa restrictions on US officials over Hong Kong issue

US President Donald Trump said that he will be announcing new visa restrictions today or tomorrow. ''We`re going to be announcing something tomorrow or the next day on visas," Trump was quoted as saying in a Fox News interview.

US President Donald Trump said that he will be announcing new visa restrictions today or tomorrow. ''We`re going to be announcing something tomorrow or the next day on visas," Trump was quoted as saying in a Fox News interview. He, however, declined to give any details but acknowledged that there will be some exclusions. "You need them for big businesses where they have certain people that have been coming in for a long time, but very little exclusion and they`re pretty tight," he said. "And we may even go very tight for a period of time." On Visas, @realDonaldTrump said that tomorrow or Monday he will be putting in place new restrictions on H-1b, H-2b, L-1 and J-1 visas. He did say that there will be exclusions. — John Roberts (@johnrobertsFox) June 21, 2020 × Fox News Chief White House correspondent John Roberts tweeted that the restrictions will be imposed on H-1B, H-2B, L-1 and J-1 visas. H-1B visas are designed for certain skilled workers such as those employed in science, engineering, and information technology fields, while H-2B visas are given to seasonal workers such as hotel and construction staff. L-1 visas are meant for executives who work for large corporations and J-1 visas are issued to research scholars, professors and other cultural and work-exchange programs. Trump will reportedly sign an executive order to suspend the visas through the end of the year, as the administration is addressing a major economic fallout, including high unemployment among Americans, amid the coronavirus pandemic. That would be Trump`s latest step to restrict immigration. In April, he temporarily halted the issuance of US green cards to some foreigners. Trump, who has maintained a hardline stance on immigration and used that to appeal to his voters, has been accused of using the pandemic to promote his political agenda.

US President Trump likely to sign executive order restricting H-1B visas by Monday

On Tuesday, Trump administration had blocked the 28 companies yesterday as China has detained over one million in Xinjiang. So, in that matter now the U.S. imposes visa restrictions on some Chinese officials.

Chinese Embassy in Washington: Visa restrictions for some Chinese officials

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-tells-united-states-to-stop-interfering-in-its-affairs-after-blacklisting-of-companies-254518">"repression" of Uighurs</a> and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions.

The one-two punch by President Donald Trump's administration marks the most forceful attempt by a foreign power to address what some rights groups call a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-to-resume-thursday-white-house-254346">historic crisis in Xinjiang</a>, and comes amid a range of feuds between the United States and China.

"China has forcibly detained over one million Muslims in a brutal, systematic campaign to erase religion and culture in Xinjiang," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter.

"China must end its draconian surveillance and repression, release all those arbitrarily detained and cease its coercion of Chinese Muslims abroad," he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on Chinese government and Communist Party officials believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, the detention or abuse of Uighurs, Kazakhs, or other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1181654413913534464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In an accompanying statement, Pompeo said that the State Department would restrict visas granted to government and ruling Communist Party officials involved in "detention or abuse" of Uighurs, Kazakhs or members of other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

The order will also affect their family members, including children who may be seeking to study in the United States.

Watch: Uighurs use Tiktok to expose China's detention camps in Xinjiang

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-uighurs-use-tiktok-to-expose-chinas-detention-camps-in-xinjiang-244906/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The State Department did not specify the names of officials who would be affected.

But lawmakers have specifically asked for action against Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief for Xinjiang.

Reputed within the party for his handling of minority groups, he earlier led iron-fisted policies aimed at crushing dissent in Tibet.

Defying Chinese protests

The US Commerce Department on Monday blacklisted 28 Chinese entities including video surveillance firm Hikvision and artificial intelligence companies Megvii Technology and SenseTime over their involvement in Xinjiang.

Beijing voiced its "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" over the move and denied any human rights abuses in the restive region.

"These accusations are nothing more than an excuse for the United States to deliberately interfere in China's internal affairs," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing.

Rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims are being held in a vast network of camps in Xinjiang aimed at homogenizing the population to reflect China's majority Han culture.

Witnesses say that China has sought to force Uighurs to drop core practices of Islam such as fasting during Ramadan and abstaining from alcohol and pork.

China, after initially denying the camps, describes them as vocational schools aimed at dampening the allure of Islamist extremism and violence.

Authorities have cracked down especially hard since 2009, when nearly 200 people died in riots in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi, which has seen an influx of Han Chinese.

The violence was sparked by news of a factory brawl in southern China in which two Uighur migrant workers were killed.

Pompeo has previously called China's treatment of Uighurs one of the "worst stains on the world" and likened the camps to actions by Nazi Germany.

But few Muslim leaders have spoken out against a rising China with the exception of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, which has linguistic and cultural connections with the Uighurs.

Rights advocates also say that Trump has been inconsistent in exercising pressure over human rights, with the tycoon president warmly embracing authoritarian leaders of allies such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The actions on Xinjiang come as a trade war shows no signs of abating between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies, which have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of each other's goods.

At the United Nations last month, Trump also warned China that the United States was watching Hong Kong, where months of swelling protests have demanded that Beijing respect the city's semi-autonomous status.

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its "repression" of Uighurs and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions.

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its "repression" of Uighurs and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions. The one-two punch by President Donald Trump's administration marks the most forceful attempt by a foreign power to address what some rights groups call a historic crisis in Xinjiang, and comes amid a range of feuds between the United States and China. "China has forcibly detained over one million Muslims in a brutal, systematic campaign to erase religion and culture in Xinjiang," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter. "China must end its draconian surveillance and repression, release all those arbitrarily detained and cease its coercion of Chinese Muslims abroad," he said. Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on Chinese government and Communist Party officials believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, the detention or abuse of Uighurs, Kazakhs, or other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 8, 2019 × In an accompanying statement, Pompeo said that the State Department would restrict visas granted to government and ruling Communist Party officials involved in "detention or abuse" of Uighurs, Kazakhs or members of other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang. The order will also affect their family members, including children who may be seeking to study in the United States. Watch: Uighurs use Tiktok to expose China's detention camps in Xinjiang × The State Department did not specify the names of officials who would be affected. But lawmakers have specifically asked for action against Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief for Xinjiang. Reputed within the party for his handling of minority groups, he earlier led iron-fisted policies aimed at crushing dissent in Tibet. Defying Chinese protests The US Commerce Department on Monday blacklisted 28 Chinese entities including video surveillance firm Hikvision and artificial intelligence companies Megvii Technology and SenseTime over their involvement in Xinjiang. Beijing voiced its "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" over the move and denied any human rights abuses in the restive region. "These accusations are nothing more than an excuse for the United States to deliberately interfere in China's internal affairs," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing. Rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims are being held in a vast network of camps in Xinjiang aimed at homogenizing the population to reflect China's majority Han culture. Witnesses say that China has sought to force Uighurs to drop core practices of Islam such as fasting during Ramadan and abstaining from alcohol and pork. China, after initially denying the camps, describes them as vocational schools aimed at dampening the allure of Islamist extremism and violence. Authorities have cracked down especially hard since 2009, when nearly 200 people died in riots in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi, which has seen an influx of Han Chinese. The violence was sparked by news of a factory brawl in southern China in which two Uighur migrant workers were killed. Pompeo has previously called China's treatment of Uighurs one of the "worst stains on the world" and likened the camps to actions by Nazi Germany. But few Muslim leaders have spoken out against a rising China with the exception of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, which has linguistic and cultural connections with the Uighurs. Rights advocates also say that Trump has been inconsistent in exercising pressure over human rights, with the tycoon president warmly embracing authoritarian leaders of allies such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The actions on Xinjiang come as a trade war shows no signs of abating between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies, which have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of each other's goods. At the United Nations last month, Trump also warned China that the United States was watching Hong Kong, where months of swelling protests have demanded that Beijing respect the city's semi-autonomous status.

US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials; demands end to Uighur 'repression'

Uzbekistan said Thursday that it will lift visa restrictions for citizens from China in a bid to boost foreign tourism, becoming the first country in former Soviet nation in Central Asia to make the move.&nbsp;

An order signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said that Chinese citizens including those from Hong Kong would be subject to a seven-day visa waiver from the beginning of 2020.

Uzbekistan, which does not share a border with China, is the first of the five 'stans' in ex-communist Central Asia to scrap visas for Chinese citizens.

While China is a key trade partner for the region Beijing has often struggled to counter perceptions that it is out to dominate its weaker neighbours via loans and strategic investments.&nbsp;

Uzbekistan has made tourism a priority to reduce its dependence on exports of its natural resources, including natural gas and metals.

The country's star draws are the fabled cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, which were once cultural centres and key points along the historic Silk Road trade routes linking China and Europe.&nbsp;

Uzbekistan's tourism committee has said that annual visitor numbers for 2018 were 5.3 million, double the figure for 2017.

President Mirziyoyev has reversed a number of policies that hampered tourism under his late predecessor Islam Karimov.

Among the restrictions he scrapped was a ban on photography in the capital Tashkent's ornate metro system that had led to police detentions of unsuspecting tourists.

Uzbekistan said Thursday that it will lift visa restrictions for citizens from China in a bid to boost foreign tourism, becoming the first country in former Soviet nation in Central Asia to make the move.

Uzbekistan said Thursday that it will lift visa restrictions for citizens from China in a bid to boost foreign tourism, becoming the first country in former Soviet nation in Central Asia to make the move. An order signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said that Chinese citizens including those from Hong Kong would be subject to a seven-day visa waiver from the beginning of 2020. Uzbekistan, which does not share a border with China, is the first of the five 'stans' in ex-communist Central Asia to scrap visas for Chinese citizens. While China is a key trade partner for the region Beijing has often struggled to counter perceptions that it is out to dominate its weaker neighbours via loans and strategic investments. Uzbekistan has made tourism a priority to reduce its dependence on exports of its natural resources, including natural gas and metals. The country's star draws are the fabled cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, which were once cultural centres and key points along the historic Silk Road trade routes linking China and Europe. Uzbekistan's tourism committee has said that annual visitor numbers for 2018 were 5.3 million, double the figure for 2017. President Mirziyoyev has reversed a number of policies that hampered tourism under his late predecessor Islam Karimov. Among the restrictions he scrapped was a ban on photography in the capital Tashkent's ornate metro system that had led to police detentions of unsuspecting tourists.

Uzbekistan to waive visa restrictions for Chinese citizens

Restrictions on the H1-B visas by the US have compelled Indian tech companies to hire more locally and led to an escalation in employee costs, a rating agency said Friday.

Second largest exporter Infosys led with 2,122 visa denials in the&nbsp;fiscal year 2017-18, followed by its larger rival TCS with 1,896 rejections, the report by Care Ratings said.

"The increasing protectionist measures imposed by US administration to safeguard US workers are directly having an adverse impact on the Indian IT majors," it said.

Out of the top three companies with highest H-1B visa denials in FY18, Cognizant was leading with 32 per cent denials followed by two Indian IT majors namely Infosys and TCS with 26 per cent and 18 per cent, it said.

It can be noted that the US-headquartered Cognizant has a large pool of employees working out of India comparable with any Indian tech major.

The cost structures for the Indian IT majors have been impacted as a result of the US policies, the agency said.

It can be recalled that while every major Indian company has pointed out to a surge in local hires in the US, while sub-contracting work in geographies like the US has also put a drain on profitability for some.

The report said in the last five years, the number of H-1B approvals reduced by 21 per cent.

However, after the installation of the Trump administration, which has been vigilant on ensuring American interests, there has been a faster fall. 
The approvals declined by a sharp 50 per cent in FY18 to 22,429 from the 43,957 in the year-ago period, it said.&nbsp;

Restrictions on the H1-B visas by the US have compelled Indian tech companies to hire more locally and led to an escalation in employee costs, a rating agency said Friday.

Restrictions on the H1-B visas by the US have compelled Indian tech companies to hire more locally and led to an escalation in employee costs, a rating agency said Friday. Second largest exporter Infosys led with 2,122 visa denials in the fiscal year 2017-18, followed by its larger rival TCS with 1,896 rejections, the report by Care Ratings said. "The increasing protectionist measures imposed by US administration to safeguard US workers are directly having an adverse impact on the Indian IT majors," it said. Out of the top three companies with highest H-1B visa denials in FY18, Cognizant was leading with 32 per cent denials followed by two Indian IT majors namely Infosys and TCS with 26 per cent and 18 per cent, it said. It can be noted that the US-headquartered Cognizant has a large pool of employees working out of India comparable with any Indian tech major. The cost structures for the Indian IT majors have been impacted as a result of the US policies, the agency said. It can be recalled that while every major Indian company has pointed out to a surge in local hires in the US, while sub-contracting work in geographies like the US has also put a drain on profitability for some. The report said in the last five years, the number of H-1B approvals reduced by 21 per cent. However, after the installation of the Trump administration, which has been vigilant on ensuring American interests, there has been a faster fall. The approvals declined by a sharp 50 per cent in FY18 to 22,429 from the 43,957 in the year-ago period, it said.

H1-B visa restrictions compel tech firms to hire more locals

Turkish missions in the United States will resume full visa services for US citizens, Ankara&#39;s embassy in Washington said Thursday, matching an identical move by American consulates in Turkey.

&quot;Within the framework of the principle of reciprocity, the restrictions placed from our side on the visa regime for US citizens are being lifted simultaneously,&quot; it said in a statement, following an announcement by the US embassy in Ankara that full visa services for Turkish citizens were being restored.

The US decision to stop handing out visas was implemented from October and was followed by a tit-for-tat move by Turkey to stop giving Turkish visas to Americans.

Turkey&#39;s embassy in Washington said it &quot;welcomed the decision to restore the old system from today&quot;.

The US said it had won assurances from Ankara that no further legal proceedings would be launched against its staff after the crisis was sparked by the arrest of a local consulate employee.

But the Turkish embassy statement took issue with this, saying that &quot;Turkey is a state of law&quot; and &quot;no such assurances have been given regarding cases pending in the courts&quot;.

&quot;We do not find it right to misinform the Turkish and American public by saying that assurances have been given,&quot; it said.&nbsp;

Reflecting the language of the American statement, it said that Ankara continued to have &quot;serious concerns&quot; regarding cases involving Turkish citizens in the United States.

The US decision to stop handing out visas was implemented from October

Turkish missions in the United States will resume full visa services for US citizens, Ankara's embassy in Washington said Thursday, matching an identical move by American consulates in Turkey. "Within the framework of the principle of reciprocity, the restrictions placed from our side on the visa regime for US citizens are being lifted simultaneously," it said in a statement, following an announcement by the US embassy in Ankara that full visa services for Turkish citizens were being restored. The US decision to stop handing out visas was implemented from October and was followed by a tit-for-tat move by Turkey to stop giving Turkish visas to Americans. Turkey's embassy in Washington said it "welcomed the decision to restore the old system from today". The US said it had won assurances from Ankara that no further legal proceedings would be launched against its staff after the crisis was sparked by the arrest of a local consulate employee. But the Turkish embassy statement took issue with this, saying that "Turkey is a state of law" and "no such assurances have been given regarding cases pending in the courts". "We do not find it right to misinform the Turkish and American public by saying that assurances have been given," it said. Reflecting the language of the American statement, it said that Ankara continued to have "serious concerns" regarding cases involving Turkish citizens in the United States.

Turkish missions in US to lift visa restrictions on US citizens

visa-restrictions

Visa Restrictions, News on Visa Restrictions, stories on Visa Restrictions, articles on Visa Restrictions, Visa Restrictions stories at Wion, Visa Restrictions news, Visa Restrictions latest news