Google advises employees on US visas to avoid international travel, citing embassy delays of up to 12 months and risks of extended stays abroad.
SAN FRANCISCO: Alphabet’s Google has advised some employees on US visas to avoid international travel due to significant delays at embassies.
An internal email from the company’s outside counsel, BAL Immigration Law, warned staff who need a visa stamp to re-enter the United States not to leave the country.
The memo cited visa appointment delays of up to 12 months at some US embassies and consulates.
It warned that international travel would “risk an extended stay outside the US”.
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.
The Trump administration this month announced increased vetting of applicants for H-1B visas for highly skilled workers.
The new vetting includes screening social media accounts of applicants.
The H-1B visa program is widely used by the US technology sector to hire skilled workers from countries like India and China.
It has been under scrutiny after the administration imposed a new RM100,000 fee for applications this year.
In September, Alphabet had already strongly advised its employees to avoid international travel.
It specifically urged H-1B visa holders to remain in the United States at that time. – Reuters
