The National Association of Software and Service Companies is planning to set up a consultative panel comprising foreign immigration experts to advise its small and medium enterprises (SMEs) members on visa-related issues.

"We are trying to engage some immigration experts from the United States and the United Kingdom in a consultative panel for our SME member companies. If there is any problem, member companies can interact with them through e-mail," Sunil Mehta, vice-president, Nasscom, said.

The panel would be constituted within a month, Mehta said.

"As of now we are beginning with the US. We will see how it takes off," Mehta said, adding that the initiative was part of Nasscom's intent to step up efforts for greater understanding of visa issues amongst its SME member companies.

Referring to the recent spate of detention of Indian IT professionals abroad, Mehta said, "In none of the instances has it been proved in the court of law that visa regulations had been misused by the Indian companies."

He, however, said that Indian IT companies should be extra careful about visas, permits, etc, besides seeking opinions as and when required and abide by law.

In the next few months, Nasscom, in consultation with government, will try to arrive at a mutually beneficial solution like the proposed professional services visa, he said.