In Trump era, look beyond IT for H-1B visas

AMID THE RAGING debate over H-1B visas in the US, policy think tank Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) Tuesday said there was a need to diversify the skill sets beyond software since bulk of the H1-B visas are allotted to IT professionals.

- RAVI DUTTA MISHRA

Stressing on preparedness before President-elect Donald Trump enters the White House on January 20, the think tank said India's consumer goods exports such as pharma, gems and jewellery, and marine exports are particularly vulnerable to US tariffs.

India should focus on skill distribution since there is hardly any potential for growth in the H-1B benefits to India since it receives 72 per cent of the total visas under the programme, former Commerce Secretary Rajeev Kher said. "65 per cent of these visas are for people with computer skills, and India needs to look at skill distribution," he said, adding New Delhi may need to make sacrifices in some areas where higher tariffs have been imposed.