Editor,
After being stranded for 75 days in Kolkata due to the lockdown I was finally able to take a flight to Guwahati on June 6. On arrival, after being tested for Covid-19 ( the test results were sent to me after 2 days indicating there were no symptoms ), I spent 14 days in mandatory home quarantine in Guwahati. During this period I applied for and obtained permission from the Meghalaya government to return home to Shillong in my own vehicle.
With eager anticipation I left Guwahati on June 22 morning and arrived at the Byrnihat check point around 10 am. After the initial registration of the car at the first point I proceeded to the next one a few yards away where 3 counters had been set up for further checks. And this is where my ordeal began.
After being directed to the wrong counter thrice I stood in the queue at the first counter by which time an hour had already passed since my arrival at Byrnihat. There were 3 staff at this counter and barely 10 people in front of me but it took almost 2 hours for me to get my registration done. Quite obviously the staff were not trained properly and appeared to be unsure of the procedure and at least one of them was struggling with the computer while filling in details.
The next counter was no better and again another couple of hours were lost before I was able to move to the third and final counter. What struck me as odd, apart from the inefficiency of the staff, was the fact that at the two counters the questions asked by the staff were similar and appeared to be an unnecessary duplication of work.
I finally reached the third counter after which my blood and swab tests were done. Half an hour later, after collecting my Health Advisory and Certificate I was able to leave , frustrated, hungry and exhausted, at 4.15 pm. I had spent over SIX HOURS at the check point in Byrnihat. The reception I received on coming home to Meghalaya after 3 months will sadly stay with me for a long time!
Yours etc.,
Zomuana Hranga,
Via email
US’s visa ban
Editor,
US President Donald Trump has suspended visas for foreign workers temporarily till the end of the year. He signed an order which specifically targets H-1B and H-4 visas. These are given to employees in the technology sector and to their families, as well as those applying for green cards or permanent residency in the US. Trump said that the suspension of the visas was aimed at protecting local workers who are facing unemployment due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. Trump has been building a wall between the US and the rest of the world for four years. These restrictions go against the idea of globalisation. In fact, the suspension of visas is aimed at the impending November poll. Trump leaves no stone unturned in his attempt to retain his seat. As a consequence of the new order about 5.25 lakh people are likely to be denied entry. It will adversely affect skilled technology personnel from India. They belong to H-1B category and have the rights to residency for six years and to purchase property. Indians account for 72% of the total H-1B visas.
Trump’s suspension of new work visas has two significant aspects. First, it will strengthen his nationalist credentials five months ahead of Election 2020. Second, he wants to prohibits thousands of foreigners from seeking employment in the US. In fact, it is a stern measure to limit the entry of immigrants into the US. The restrictions on the entry of spouses will severely affect familial life. No wonder, the order has aroused fierce opposition.
Trump’s ban on work visas indicates his xenophobia. He has an inbuilt aversion to foreigners, especially citizens of Muslim countries. Trump cleverly used the COVID-19 pandemic as a pretext for the suspension of the visas. The measure will open more than five lakh jobs for Americans at a time when the country is faced with a flagging economy. However, many Americans are not qualified or willing to take up these jobs. Trump has blocked visas for a wide variety of jobs including those for computer programmers and other skilled workers. The order also adversely affects American companies with global operations and international companies with US branches. The ban will adversely affect Indian techies because they have been the bigger beneficiaries of the US system. Further, thousands of individuals will be left stranded as they wait to become American citizens.
Given that Prime Minister Modi maintains good relations with President Trump he must take measures to convince him and the US administration of the consequences of this move and make them reverse the decision.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS,
Via email