US launches sweeping H-1B visa fraud probe; Indian workers, IT firms to face greater scrutiny

In a significant move that could have far-reaching implications for thousands of Indian professionals and technology companies, the United States has launched a major investigation into alleged fraud and human trafficking linked to the H-1B work visa programme and the employment-based permanent residency (PERM) system.

Announcing the nationwide crackdown on Wednesday, the US Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) said it had uncovered widespread schemes involving fraudulent H-1B and PERM applications, coercive wage kickback arrangements, forced-labour practices and the exploitation of foreign workers.