The Indian government informed countries in the Asia-Pacific (Apac) region that Indian companies have created at least 171,000 local jobs in nine countries with very few Indian requiring work permits. The issue was recently brought to light with countries negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement, including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and ASEAN nations.
While the foreign negotiators seek steep reduction in import duties in India, they are unwilling to allow Indian professionals like software engineers and architects, on work visas or even commit to easier investment rules for Indian companies. Seeking to impress these countries, the Indian government pointed out that not only do Indian professionals contribute to their economies but companies such as Infosys, Wipro, TCS, and HCL also create thousands of jobs.
Visa restrictions have risen in the past few years and the government is accusing the Singapore government of going back on its commitment to allow Indian professionals, despite committing to it in the bilateral trade and investment treaty. Sources said during a recent interaction between the government and representatives of companies operating in the Philippines, it came to light that Indian IT firms had created close to 60,000 local jobs but needed only 1,500-2,000 work permits. The representatives also said that despite Philippine Economic Zone Authority allowing 5 per cent foreign nationals to work if exports accounted for 70 per cent of the business of a company, visas were tough to come by for Indians.
India is currently demanding opening up of computer services during the negotiations so that it is not just easier for them, but there is also a stable regime for the professionals.
