Infosys Agrees To Pay Rs 238 Crore Penalty For Abusing H1B Visa, Immigration Rules: World’s Highest Penalty!

Record Fine Highlights Visa Misuse

Infosys Limited, a leading Indian tech and consulting firm, has been fined Rs 238 crore by U.S. authorities for allegedly misusing immigration processes. This penalty, the largest in such a case, follows claims that Infosys improperly used B-1 visitor visas instead of H-1B visas to deploy workers to the United States.

H-1B visas are designed for skilled professionals, requiring employers to meet strict wage and employment criteria. In contrast, B-1 visas are meant for short-term business activities, such as attending meetings or training, and not for performing job duties. By using B-1 visas, Infosys allegedly avoided the higher costs and stricter requirements associated with H-1B visas.

Compliance Measures Introduced

As part of the settlement, Infosys has agreed to implement enhanced compliance measures. These include stricter internal controls to ensure adherence to U.S. immigration laws and increased transparency in visa usage. While Infosys did not admit liability, the measures aim to prevent future violations and strengthen corporate accountability.

Impact on Global Corporations

This case serves as a significant warning to multinational companies operating in the United States. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) emphasized the need to uphold fair labor practices and prevent exploitation of the immigration system.

The Rs 238 crore fine underscores the importance of ethical visa practices and adherence to legal standards. It also highlights the growing scrutiny on global corporations and their compliance with international regulations. Companies must now prioritize transparency and fairness to avoid similar penalties and reputational damage.

Conclusion

The Infosys settlement sets a strong precedent for addressing immigration fraud and enforcing accountability. For corporations, it is a reminder to align business practices with ethical and legal standards. For governments, it reaffirms the commitment to safeguarding labor markets and immigration systems. This case marks a pivotal step toward maintaining integrity in global hiring and visa practices.