The National · 9 Oct, 05:56 · Business briefing

US bars Microsoft, Adobe and Indian IT firms from worker visa programme

Recent reports indicate the United States has restricted Microsoft, Adobe, and several Indian IT companies from participating in specific worker visa programmes.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Recent reports indicate the United States has restricted Microsoft, Adobe, and several Indian IT companies from participating in specific worker visa programmes. This regulatory shift limits these organisations’ ability to sponsor foreign talent for roles previously filled through such channels. For professionals in the technology and consulting sectors, this signals a tightening of immigration pathways for international workers. The move reflects broader geopolitical and domestic labour market considerations, potentially altering recruitment strategies for major tech firms and their outsourcing partners. Employees and job seekers must now navigate a more constrained landscape for cross-border employment opportunities within these specific corporate entities.

Employer demand for Medical Physics skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This development significantly alters the landscape for international tech talent. If you rely on visa sponsorship from major IT firms, your options are narrowing. Domestic candidates and those with existing work authorisation will see increased demand, raising the value of local experience. You should immediately audit your immigration status and consider upskilling in areas where companies cannot easily outsource, such as complex problem-solving or niche technical specialisms. Diversify your career strategy by targeting industries less affected by these restrictions or exploring relocation to markets with more open visa policies. Prioritise roles that offer clear pathways to permanent residency rather than temporary contracts. Stay informed on policy changes, as this may signal a broader trend affecting global mobility for skilled workers.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

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