'Deeply offensive': MEA on JD Vance’s ‘indentured servants’ remark on H-1B workers, clarifies impact on work visa

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the US suspension of PERM applications does not by itself affect existing H-1B visas or holders’ status, but may hinder eligible employees’ Green Card processes. It added that the move does not support the shared ambitions of India and the US.

Responding to the US Government's move to bar several Tech majors from its Green Card programme, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said, “PERM applications does not affect H-1B visa holders” and “the steps announced by the US do not advance the shared ambitions of both countries.”

He further stated that JD Vance’s description of H-1B visa workers as “indentured servants”, calling the terminology “deeply offensive”

"We are aware of the U.S. Department of Labour’s decision concerning the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme for certain companies. It should be noted that PERM is distinct from the H-1B visa programme. The suspension of PERM applications does not, by itself, affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents, though there could be some impact on the permanent-residency/Green Card process of eligible employees of the affected companies" the Ministry stated in a statement

Further the Ministry stated that talent mobility between two nations creates significant value to both economies and the steps announced do not advance the shared ambitions.

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India’s Ministry of External Affairs said PERM is separate from the H-1B visa programme and that suspending PERM applications does not by itself affect existing H-1B visas. It said the move could affect eligible employees’ path to permanent residency and does not advance the two countries’ shared ambitions.

No. The MEA said suspending PERM applications does not, by itself, affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of H-1B holders and their dependents.

An H-1B is a temporary work visa for eligible foreign workers. PERM is a labour-certification step connected to permanent employment and can be part of the employment-based green-card process.

PERM is an important step in many employment-based green-card cases. If applications are not accepted or pending applications are not processed, eligible employees at affected companies could face an impact on that process.

The MEA said talent mobility creates opportunities for Indians and helps US companies through talent, innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness and job creation. It described mobility as an area of mutual benefit for both countries.

"It should also be clear that talent mobility adds value to both economies. While it creates opportunities for Indians, it equally helps US companies with cutting-edge talent, innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness and job creation, besides creating shareholder wealth in the US. This is therefore an area of tremendous mutual benefit for the two countries and our expectation is that all stakeholders in this process can appreciate this fact. The steps announced by the US do not advance the shared ambitions of both countries," the MEA stated.

About the Author

Sanchari Ghosh is an Assistant Editor at Mint with over 12 years of experience in journalism, specialising in personal finance, DLT & DeFi, geopolitics and foreign policy, with a particular emphasis on how these areas intersect. <br> She writes extensively about how money works in everyday life—helping readers navigate personal finance decisions. <br> As AI reshapes investing behaviour, capital is increasingly flowing into decentralized ecosystems, redefining how assets are managed, traded, and valued. She focuses on explaining how money flows within frameworks like Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), DeFi protocols, and crypto markets—while also exploring what the future of money could look like in a trustless, programmable financial world. <br> She also focuses on immigration-related issues, simplifying complex topics around visas, passports, overseas financial planning, and the many practical challenges Indians face while moving or living abroad. <br> Alongside personal finance, Sanchari has a strong understanding of international politics, contemporary and historical conflicts, and global state decisions. She closely tracks how geopolitical developments influence economies, markets, and individual financial choices, bringing together finance and global affairs in her reporting. <br> She began her career as a desk editor, which gave her a strong foundation in news writing. Over time, her interest naturally shifted toward personal finance. Before joining Mint in 2020, she worked DNA, The Times of India, Outlook Money, BloombergQuint, and ETMoney. At Mint, she got an opportunity to expand her coverage to include immigration and geopolitical developments while continuing to closely follow personal finance trends and market movements.As a journalist, she is committed to accuracy, intellectual rigour, and fairness. <br> She is an English Major and her work took her across cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune. Living independently from an early age gave her firsthand experience in managing life and money on her own. This practical exposure sparked her strong interest in personal finance. <br> Outside the newsroom, Sanchari is a sports enthusiast who regularly plays lawn tennis and squash. In her younger years, she was also a national-level badminton player.