News for 'Occupational Employment and'

Varna and Jati Are Not Same

Varna and Jati Are Not Same

Rediff.com27 Dec 2021

The relative ranking of castes can vary across regions and localities and depends on a number of factors including control over land, wealth, and political power. Castes have often tried to 'upgrade' themselves (a process sociologists refer to as Sanskritization), and sometimes get 'downgraded'. A revealing excerpt from Upinder Singh's Ancient India: Culture Of Contradictions.

US readies plan to eliminate visa wait time in India

US readies plan to eliminate visa wait time in India

Rediff.com18 Jan 2023

The US is 'putting every ounce of its energy' to eliminate the long visa wait time in India, including sending a cadre of consular officers to the country and opening up its other overseas embassies as far away as Germany and Thailand for Indian visa applicants, according to a senior US visa officer. India was one of the very few countries where applications for US visas saw a major upswing after coronavirus-related travel restrictions were lifted. There have been growing concerns in India over the long waiting period for first time visa applicants, especially for those applying under B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) categories.

Applied for an H1-B visa? Please read this!

Applied for an H1-B visa? Please read this!

Rediff.com19 Apr 2018

'If you are so blinded by the Buy American, Hire American policy, if you are not going to be fair, consistent and welcoming, in the end America will lose out.'

Lockdown wipes out job gains since 2016

Lockdown wipes out job gains since 2016

Rediff.com6 Oct 2020

The biggest loss of jobs among salaried employees was of 'white-collar professional employees and other employees'. Among these are engineers including software engineers, physicians, teachers, accountants, analysts and so on, who are professionally qualified and are employed in some private or government organisation All the gains made in their employment over the past four years were washed away during the lockdown, reveals Mahesh Vyas.

Will Modi govt manage to push labour reforms this time?

Will Modi govt manage to push labour reforms this time?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2019

After assuming power in 2014 with a full majority of its own, the BJP-led NDA government started an ambitious process of reforming labour laws in the form of codes aimed at making the framework less cumbersome with a variety of alterations. It had planned four codes each for industrial relations, wages, social security and welfare, and occupational safety, health and working conditions. To this end, 35 central labour laws were to be converted into four codes that would have had the virtue of streamlining labour relations. But none of the proposed code Bills could be converted into a law principally because neither trade unions nor industry representatives came on board. They hold the key to India's low-growth-high unemployment paradigm but the government may struggle to push them through this time as well. Somesh Jha explains why

US reaches 2022 cap for H-1B visa

US reaches 2022 cap for H-1B visa

Rediff.com31 Mar 2021

The US has received enough electronic applications during the initial registration period to reach the 2022 fiscal year cap for the H-1B foreign workers visa, the most sought-after work visa among Indian professionals. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency which screens and allocates H-1B applications, said it was randomly selected from among the registrations properly submitted to reach the cap. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Govt begins mapping migrant workers to work out relief package

Govt begins mapping migrant workers to work out relief package

Rediff.com10 Apr 2020

The Union home ministry and the labour ministry have asked state governments to coordinate with the chief labour commissioner's (CLC's) office to give a comprehensive data of all the migrant workers by April 11.

Why US-based IT firms are likely to send more work to India

Why US-based IT firms are likely to send more work to India

Rediff.com25 Sep 2020

Most of the large Indian IT services players, such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Tech, have signalled increased offshoring efforts and opting for local hires in the US, primarily to address the immigration-related challenges.

Trump admin makes H1-B visa approval tough; Indian firms to be impacted

Trump admin makes H1-B visa approval tough; Indian firms to be impacted

Rediff.com23 Feb 2018

Extensions of H-1B visas have become even tougher, in particular if the employee has been on a bench for any part of their previous duration.

Australia drops work visa used mainly by Indians

Australia drops work visa used mainly by Indians

Rediff.com23 Mar 2018

The 457 visa programme, used by over 95,000 foreign workers, a majority of them Indians, was replaced on March 18 by a new Temporary Skills Shortage visa programme.

Assam changes labour laws, but differs from BJP model

Assam changes labour laws, but differs from BJP model

Rediff.com10 May 2020

Unlike the other Bharatiya Janata Party-led governments, Assam has not proposed doing away with most labour laws for a certain number of years. Instead it has proposed introducing fixed-term employment to help both workers and industries, and seeks to take more firms out of the ambit of laws governing factories and contract workers.

Online hiring activity in June up 4%: Monster

Online hiring activity in June up 4%: Monster

Rediff.com18 Jul 2013

On a month-to-month basis, the index improved by 3.14 per cent in June.

Covid shots to be allowed at workplaces from April 11

Covid shots to be allowed at workplaces from April 11

Rediff.com7 Apr 2021

The vaccination can be held at workplaces that have around 100 eligible and willing beneficiaries.

US allows some H-1B visa seekers to re-submit their applications

US allows some H-1B visa seekers to re-submit their applications

Rediff.com24 Jun 2021

Some foreign guest workers in the US will be able to re-submit their applications for the H1-B visa, the most sought-after non-immigrant visa among Indian IT professionals, if their petition was solely rejected because it was based on the initial registration period, according to a federal agency. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), such re-submission of applications is for those whose applications have been rejected or administratively closed solely because the requested start date was after October 1, 2020. The H-1B visa allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

Mandatory minimum pay hike for H-1B workers to be delayed

Mandatory minimum pay hike for H-1B workers to be delayed

Rediff.com12 Mar 2021

The Biden administration on Friday issued a formal notification to delay the implementation of the previous Trump regime's controversial rule to raise mandatory minimum pay for foreign workers on H-1B visa, the most sought after among Indian IT professionals. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. The Department of Labour in its federal notification published on Friday said that it is considering whether to propose a further delay of the final rule's effective date and accompanying implementation periods that are currently scheduled to take effect on May 14, 2021, and July 1, 2021, respectively.

Hunger, hopelessness driving migrant workers back to cities

Hunger, hopelessness driving migrant workers back to cities

Rediff.com27 Aug 2020

The employers, many of whom had virtually abandoned the migrant labourers, are sending them train and even flight tickets to fetch them back as factories whir back to life, construction activities pick up and the sowing season sets in.

Govt nod for complete ban on child labour below 14 yrs

Govt nod for complete ban on child labour below 14 yrs

Rediff.com28 Aug 2012

Employing a child below 14 years in any kind of occupation will be completely banned and land you in jail with a maximum three years imprisonment or fine up to a maximum of Rs. 50,000 with the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approving the measure.

This Bollywood is struggling to survive!

This Bollywood is struggling to survive!

Rediff.com29 May 2020

The daily wage earners who oil the wheels of the movies business are struggling to cope with the fallout of the lockdown.

Labour codes to herald new reforms; job creation to be major challenge

Labour codes to herald new reforms; job creation to be major challenge

Rediff.com30 Dec 2020

The implementation of four labour codes in one go from April 1 next year will usher in a new wave of reforms in industrial relations and also help in attracting more investments but employment generation will remain a key challenge in 2021. This year has also been a challenging year for the work force as well as for employers due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government imposed a nationwide lockdown from March 25, which had an adverse impact on economic activities and resulted in exodus of migrant workers from large cities to their homes in the hinterland. Many migrant labourers lost their jobs and it took months for them to return back to their work places from their native places.

To ease compliance, govt plans major labour reforms

To ease compliance, govt plans major labour reforms

Rediff.com24 Jul 2019

Single registration will be coupled with single licence, along with a single return, for executing projects for five years.

Omicron scare: Centre urges poll-bound states to expedite Covid vaccination

Omicron scare: Centre urges poll-bound states to expedite Covid vaccination

Rediff.com23 Dec 2021

The Centre on Thursday advised states slated to hold assembly polls in the next few months to ramp up COVID vaccination exponentially to protect the vulnerable population given the steady rise in cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus in India.

Why 2020 will be a year of labour reforms

Why 2020 will be a year of labour reforms

Rediff.com30 Dec 2019

As per the recommendations of the 2nd National Commission on Labour, the ministry is codifying existing 44 central labour laws into four codes by simplifying, amalgamating and rationalising the relevant provisions of the legislations.

Trouble brews for Indian techies as H-1B visa norms get tougher

Trouble brews for Indian techies as H-1B visa norms get tougher

Rediff.com2 Nov 2018

The new information required by the Department of Labour is significant because before sponsoring a foreign worker for the H-1B visa, the company needs to get its labour application approved by it.

Lawsuit filed against Trump's new H-1B visa rules

Lawsuit filed against Trump's new H-1B visa rules

Rediff.com20 Oct 2020

Several individuals and organisations, including the US Chambers of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's recent rules related to the H-1B visa, terming them "arbitrary" and "haphazard" regulations that will undermine high skilled immigration into America. Early this month, the Trump administration announced new restrictions on H-1B non-immigrant visa programme which it said is aimed at protecting American workers, restoring integrity and to better guarantee that H-1B petitions are approved only for qualified beneficiaries and petitioners, a move which is likely to affect thousands of Indian IT professionals.

US to hold rare 2nd lottery for H-1B visa applicants

US to hold rare 2nd lottery for H-1B visa applicants

Rediff.com30 Jul 2021

In what can be good news for hundreds of Indian IT professionals seeking the H-1B work visa, the US' immigration agency has decided to conduct a rare second lottery for the most sought-after visas to decide on the successful applicants who could not make it in the first random selection. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said on Thursday that a decision was taken after determining that the computerised draw of lots for H-1B visas conducted early this year did not give them enough numbers of the Congressional mandated H-1B visas. The H-1B visa, the most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

Punjab 1st state to withdraw hike in minimum wages

Punjab 1st state to withdraw hike in minimum wages

Rediff.com12 May 2020

The Karnataka government is also expected to follow suit and withdraw its decision to raise the variable DA.

Draft labour rules: No licence for contractors with criminal history

Draft labour rules: No licence for contractors with criminal history

Rediff.com30 Nov 2020

The norms, say industry experts, are not sufficient to weed out fly-by-night contractors.

Biden admin 'undecided' on ending Trump-era H-1B visa ban

Biden admin 'undecided' on ending Trump-era H-1B visa ban

Rediff.com2 Mar 2021

The Biden administration has indicated that it is still undecided on ending the Trump-era ban on issuing new H-1B visas, with the Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas asserting that the US government's top priority is the acute needs of individuals fleeing persecution. The H-1B visa, the most sought after among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Form 16 or Form 16A: What would you opt for?

Form 16 or Form 16A: What would you opt for?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2018

'A gig economy is more suited for superior economic outcomes.' 'You try to create an environment where people can earn more.' 'This is what should happen in India. Indeed it is already happening,' says T C A Srinivasa-Raghavan.

10 unions call for nationwide protest on Aug 2 against labour bills

10 unions call for nationwide protest on Aug 2 against labour bills

Rediff.com24 Jul 2019

The government has introduced the Code on Wages Bill 2019 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code Bill 2019 in Lok Sabha on July 23.

Trump admin says H-4 visa holders won't be allowed to work

Trump admin says H-4 visa holders won't be allowed to work

Rediff.com15 Jun 2018

"Removing H-4 Dependent Spouses From the Class of Aliens Eligible for Employment Authorisation," said the US department of homeland security's unified agenda in the federal register notification of its semi-annual regulatory agenda.

Delhi's Connaught Place is world's 5th most costliest office market

Delhi's Connaught Place is world's 5th most costliest office market

Rediff.com19 Jun 2015

Nariman Point was ranked 30th on the top 50 rankings for global prime office properties.

Trump bans Federal agencies from contracting H-1B visa holders

Trump bans Federal agencies from contracting H-1B visa holders

Rediff.com4 Aug 2020

Trump told reporters that his administration will not tolerate firing of hardworking Americans in pursuit of cheap foreign labour.

All you want to know about the National Career Service portal

All you want to know about the National Career Service portal

Rediff.com22 Jul 2015

A lowdown on how this career portal launched by the Government of India will change your search for jobs forever

37% fall in H1-B visas for top 7 Indian cos in 2016

37% fall in H1-B visas for top 7 Indian cos in 2016

Rediff.com6 Jun 2017

The companies experienced a drop of 5,436 approved petitions (37 per cent) in 2016 as compared to previous year, a report by the National Foundation for American Policy, a Washington-based non-profit think-tank, said.

Online hiring activity rises 19% in May

Online hiring activity rises 19% in May

Rediff.com6 Jun 2014

According to leading job portal Monster.com, since the start of this year, online recruitment has registered consistent consistent improvement as compared to the year ago period.

H-1B visas: Biden administration says lottery system to continue till Dec 31

H-1B visas: Biden administration says lottery system to continue till Dec 31

Rediff.com5 Feb 2021

The Biden administration has announced that it is delaying the H-1B policy of the previous Trump administration on allocation of the popular foreign work visas by continuing with the lottery system until December 31, 2021, to give the immigration agency more time to develop, test and implement the modifications to the registration system. On January 7, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced to do away with the traditional lottery system in deciding the successful applicants for the H-1B visas. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

No overtime without employee consent

No overtime without employee consent

Rediff.com29 Jul 2019

The Bill states a worker will be paid twice his or her wage if he or she is allowed to work overtime. A majority of workers in India worked more than 48 hours in a week, which is higher than the International Labour Organisation's prescribed time-limit.

Jobs data: Less ambiguity likely

Jobs data: Less ambiguity likely

Rediff.com11 Jun 2019

Users of employment / unemployment statistics can enjoy the benefits of -- initially the speed of private enterprise and then, the stamp of official statistics with a hopefully small time lag, says Mahesh Vyas.

Indian techies on H-1B visa can now work for more than one US firm

Indian techies on H-1B visa can now work for more than one US firm

Rediff.com13 Dec 2017

This is not a new rule, but very few people know about it.