Tech billionaire and world’s richest man, Elon Musk, has expressed concern over the H-1B visa program, stating that it is being “gamed” by select outsourcing firms in the United States.
The technologist emphasized that authorities should address the abuse of the H-1B visa system rather than dismantle it entirely.
What is the H-1B visa?
H-1B visas allow American companies to hire skilled foreign workers, and they are used mostly by Indian citizens, especially in the technology and healthcare sectors.
During a recent podcast with Indian entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, Musk highlighted that America has “long benefited” from the contributions of talented Indian migrant workers, while acknowledging the problems surrounding the “abuse” of the H-1B program.
Manipulation in the H-1B visa lottery system
Outsourcing firms have faced backlash for rigging the lottery system, including submitting multiple applications for the same worker and hiring cheap contract workers instead of filling specialist roles, BBC reported.
Musk firmly stated, “We need to stop gaming the system,” but he disagreed with those who advocated a complete shutdown of the H-1B system, arguing that such a move would be harmful to the U.S. economy.
Recent data from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) indicates that H-1B visa approvals from Indian outsourcing companies have fallen to their lowest level in a decade, with a significant drop in initial employment applications.
In addition to H-1B visas, Musk also previously commented on President Trump’s tariff policies, which he believes are distorting markets, noting that negotiations for a US-India trade deal are underway, with an agreement expected by the end of the year.
