Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) has found itself in an awkward position: employees stuck in India because of visa delays, but a company that famously wants people back in the office. The compromise? Remote work with so many restrictions it might make you wonder what these folks can actually do.
The Fine Print on Remote Work
According to an internal memo viewed by Business Insider, Amazon is letting employees work remotely until March 2 if they were in India as of December 13 and are waiting for rescheduled visa appointments. That sounds generous until you read the limitations: no coding, no strategic decision-making, and no customer interactions.
So what's left? Presumably emails, status meetings, and documentation. Not exactly the most productive arrangement, but better than using vacation days or unpaid leave while waiting for the U.S. government to process paperwork.
The policy stems from changes to the H-1B visa program under the Trump administration. A new requirement now mandates that consular officers review applicants' social media posts before approval, which has created a massive backlog at embassies and consulates.
The Bigger Picture: Tech's Visa Headache
Amazon isn't alone in this mess. Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) (GOOG), Apple Inc. (AAPL), and Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) have all issued travel advisories warning visa-holding employees against international travel. The message is clear: if you leave the country, you might not get back for months.
Amazon's December 17 memo emphasizes compliance with local laws and states there will be no exceptions to the work restrictions. Notably, it doesn't address what happens to employees whose visa appointments are delayed beyond March 2, or those stranded in countries other than India.
The H-1B Debate Continues
The visa situation has reignited debates about skilled immigration. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon recently expressed surprise at the $100,000 H-1B visa fee, calling it unexpected. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has been vocal in defending skilled immigration, arguing that the U.S. benefits from international talent.
On the other side, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has called for ending Indian H-1B visas entirely, connecting immigration policies to broader geopolitical concerns.
For now, affected Amazon employees have a temporary solution, even if it's not ideal. They can work remotely with severe limitations while hoping their visa appointments get rescheduled before March 2. After that? The memo doesn't say, which probably isn't comforting for anyone stuck in limbo.