Indian Workers via H-1B Visas: U.S. technology companies are increasingly hiring Indian workers through H-1B visas, citing a shortage of skilled labor domestically. However, experts point to other motivations behind this trend.
Indian workers are often preferred due to their willingness to accept significantly lower wages compared to their American counterparts. This strategy, which focuses on reducing costs, often involves replacing skilled local employees with cheaper H-1B workers who are already trained for the roles.
Additionally, Indian workers are generally more willing to relocate closer to their workplaces and tend to be more flexible regarding work hours, which makes them an attractive option for tech firms. This flexibility makes it easier for companies to manage layoffs, as there is a constant pool of cheaper labor available.
Reports suggest that former employees of companies like Cognizant have expressed frustrations, claiming that this practice of prioritizing Indian workers over local talent has led to job losses. These ex-workers argue they were effectively pushed out in favor of more affordable and adaptable Indian labor.
Some former employees are now calling for official intervention, accusing these companies of engaging in discriminatory hiring practices. While Cognizant has denied these claims, it’s clear that many tech giants prioritize cost-saving measures over employee job security and fairness.