Tech billionaire and world’s richest man Elon Musk has expressed concerns over the H-1B visa program, saying it is being “manipulated” by some outsourcing companies in the United States.
The tech mogul stressed that authorities should address the misuse of the H-1B visa system rather than dismantling it completely.
What is the H-1B visa?
H-1B visas allow U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers and are primarily used by Indian citizens, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors.
During a recent podcast with Indian entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, Musk noted that America has “long benefited” from the contributions of talented Indian migrant workers, while acknowledging problems with the “misuse” of the H-1B program.
Manipulation in the H-1B Visa Lottery System
Outsourcing companies have faced backlash for manipulating the lottery system, including submitting multiple applications for the same worker and hiring low-cost contract employees instead of filling specialized positions. BBC reported.
Musk firmly stated, “We have to stop gaming the system,” but he disagreed with those who advocated shutting down the H-1B system entirely, arguing that such a move would be detrimental to the U.S. economy.
Recent data from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) indicates that H-1B visa approvals by Indian outsourcing companies have fallen to their lowest level in a decade, with a significant decline in initial job applications.
Aside from H-1B visas, Musk also commented on former President Trump’s tariff policies, which he said distort markets, noting that negotiations for a U.S.-India trade deal are underway, with an agreement expected by the end of the year.
