Amid US visa reforms, Japan introduces green card welcoming IT professionals from India

On the off chance that doors for Indian IT (Information Technology) experts might shut in the US, with the proposal of new laws to decrease the volume of H-1B visas, another window is newly opening in the far East, i.e. Japan.

In an arrangement to draw in talent and investments from India, the government of Japan is launching a fresh law to lessen the waiting period for skilled Indians to just 24 to 48 months, in order to acquire a "green card" with status of permanent residency.

The “green card” programme is applicable and open to every nationality.However, tech workers from India have a leeway. For Japan…India not only has a pool of skilled workforce, but it has likewise recognized IT as a focus area for Indian ventures & investment.

The "green card" framework would be introduced one year from now, stated Shigeki Maeda, the executive VP of the Tokyo-based ‘Japan External Trade Organization’ (or Jetro) also has an office in New Delhi as well. Under this program, “talented” or " highly skilled” Indians, which include IT experts, could get PR status "in maybe a couple years contrasted with the five or six years in the US and the UK," said Maeda.

Indian IT companies have been stressed over business and work prospects in the US following President Trump's decision. Trump has implored US firms to recruit Americans as he moves ahead with his election guarantee to generate more jobs “at home”. A few bills have likewise been presented in the US Senate, looking to dramatically increase the base pay of H1B visa holders to $130,000—making it troublesome for companies to utilize the program to replace American workers with overseas workforce, including Indians. Japan and India had signed a social security pact in 2016—that provides an exemption to Indians on a short-term work contract in Japan, from making a social security contribution there. This would also be a useful move for Indian IT professionals in Japan. The agreement will also help with easy settlement of benefits if there should arise an occurrence of relocation.

On account of IT, “India has very advanced technology. Our ICT-related industry does not have the talent and capacity of India,” Maeda said to reporters prior to the “Invest Japan Symposium” organized by JETRO, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry and the Indian industry body ‘CII’ in New Delhi. “India and Japan will complement each other in this area,” said Maeda.