IT firms prioritise local hires in key US markets due to visa delay

India’s top IT services companies are reconsidering their recruitment approaches to give priority to hiring locals in crucial markets such as the United States. This shift is driven by mounting frustration caused by prolonged wait times for work visas. In response to this situation, companies such as Wipro are focusing on building a talent pool that is geographically diverse and reducing their reliance on H1-B visas.

Traditionally, IT companies have deployed a substantial portion of their workforce overseas while gradually increasing local hiring. However, the rising delays in obtaining work visas have prompted these firms to rethink their approach. The prolonged visa application process has hindered the timely deployment of skilled professionals to client locations, leading to project delays and increased costs. Moreover, the unpredictable nature of the visa approval process has added an element of uncertainty to business operations.

To overcome these challenges, IT companies are now focusing on building a distributed talent pool that encompasses local hires in key markets. This strategy not only helps in circumventing the issues related to work visas but also brings several benefits. By hiring locally, companies can tap into a diverse talent pool, which brings a broader range of skills, cultural understanding, and market knowledge. This, in turn, enables better client engagement and fosters innovation through a mix of perspectives.

Additionally, local hiring reduces the dependency on work visas and mitigates the risks associated with policy changes and regulatory uncertainties in foreign countries. It provides a more stable workforce and minimises disruptions caused by visa restrictions, allowing companies to maintain business continuity and deliver projects on time.