The Trump administration has suspended access to the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme for major technology companies, including TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech, Cognizant, Microsoft, Adobe and Capgemini. The decision blocks new and pending applications under a key employment-based green card pathway. US officials allege that companies misused immigration programmes at the expense of American workers, while critics warn the restrictions could discourage skilled international talent. Indian IT professionals may face greater uncertainty about permanent settlement and career progression in the United States, potentially encouraging them to explore opportunities in Europe and other markets. (PC: File)

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has stated that the United States’ suspension of the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme will not significantly affect its workforce strategy or client operations. The US government suspended the programme for several major technology companies, including TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech, Cognizant and Capgemini, amid concerns over employment-based immigration practices. TCS said its PERM applications had remained in single digits over the past two years. The company reaffirmed its plan to hire 15,000 additional employees in the US over the next five years, focusing primarily on local recruitment and campus hiring rather than immigration-based recruitment. (PC: Reuters)

India has advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain “alert and vigilant” amid the prevailing situation in the Kingdom. In an advisory issued on October 8, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh urged citizens to follow local authorities’ instructions, stay indoors as necessary and exercise caution. Indians were also strongly advised against circulating or reposting videos or news related to ongoing events. The embassy, Indian Consulate in Jeddah and their VFS-supported services continue to function normally, while further advisories will be issued if necessary. The 24x7 Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra helpline remains operational. The advisory comes amid escalating Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, with reported explosions, flight disruptions and deaths at Riyadh and Abha airports.

Bangladesh is seeking a new, longer-term Ganges water-sharing agreement with India before the existing 1996 treaty expires on December 12, 2026. Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee said Dhaka wants a revised agreement with guarantee provisions protecting Bangladesh’s required dry-season water share. He said both sides are working through the Joint Rivers Commission and expressed hope that a new arrangement would be completed before the deadline. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said negotiations on transboundary rivers and the treaty’s future are continuing through discussion, dialogue and diplomacy, with international law also being considered. Bangladesh and India share 54 transboundary rivers, while the Teesta dispute remains separate from the Ganges treaty. (PC: AFP)

US authorities have suspended major IT services firms, including Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCLTech and Cognizant, from participating in the PERM employment-based Green Card sponsorship programme. The News18 report says the move follows allegations of systemic visa fraud and misuse of labour certification processes designed to protect domestic wages. With PERM processing halted, the primary route to permanent residency for tens of thousands of skilled professionals on H-1B visas has effectively closed. More than 100,000 Indian technology workers and their families face uncertainty. Affected workers may struggle to change employers, accept promotions or switch roles without resetting multi-year filing timelines, while families face financial and long-term planning pressures and decisions. (PC: X)

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued a security advisory to Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia amid escalating tensions following attacks targeting airports in the Kingdom. Indians have been urged to remain alert, stay indoors when necessary and strictly follow instructions from Saudi authorities through official channels. The embassy also advised nationals not to circulate or repost videos or news related to the ongoing situation. The advisory follows attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports that reportedly killed three people and injured 36. Indian diplomatic and VFS services in Riyadh and Jeddah continue to operate normally, while a 24-hour helpline remains available. (PC: X)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Riyadh was forced to turn back on October 8 after Houthi attacks targeted airports in Saudi Arabia, raising concerns over aviation safety. Flight AI2243, which had departed Delhi, returned safely after pilots decided to avoid Saudi airspace. The attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and other Saudi airports reportedly caused casualties, with one person killed and eight injured in one incident. Air India and Air India Express subsequently suspended flights to and from Riyadh until October 10. Passengers affected by cancellations are being offered refunds or rescheduling options. (PC: X)

India on Thursday condemned recent attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, calling the targeting of civilian infrastructure “completely unacceptable”. The attacks on October 6 and 7 killed 3 people and injured 36, according to Saudi authorities. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strikes, including an attack on Riyadh’s airport with a ballistic missile. India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished those injured a speedy recovery. New Delhi also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people and government amid the escalating regional tensions. (PC: HT)

The Centre has rejected Elon Musk’s claim that Starlink faces hurdles in India because of “monopolistic chokeholds”, calling the allegation “baseless” and “misconceived”. The government said regulatory procedures are necessary for the telecom sector and argued that Musk’s remarks do not reflect India’s regulatory framework. Musk had alleged that monopolistic interests were creating obstacles for Starlink’s expansion in the country. The development comes as Starlink continues to work towards expanding its satellite internet services in India. The disagreement highlights the regulatory challenges surrounding the rollout of satellite-based internet services in the country. (PC: X)

The United States has proposed a USD 70,000 fee for international students participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme for the first time, with educational institutions required to pay USD 30,000 for each subsequent renewal. According to a PTI report cited by Times Now, the Department of Homeland Security recommended the framework to curb perceived abuses of the system. OPT allows international students to work for one year after completing studies in a related field, while STEM graduates can work for up to three years. If implemented, the proposal could significantly affect Indian students pursuing higher education in the US. The measure would place the proposed fees on educational institutions, not students directly. (PC: Times Now)