Zoho Corporation founder Sridhar Vembu has invited Indian tech professionals to return home as US visa regulations tighten. The call follows the US Department of Labor suspending several major companies from the PERM green card program, creating uncertainty for expatriates. For the Indian technology sector, this highlights both an opportunity to strengthen local R&D and the challenge of scaling infrastructure to absorb high-end talent.
Zoho Corporation founder Sridhar Vembu has publicly called for Indian technology professionals in the United States to return home, citing shifting immigration policies as a turning point for Indian talent. This appeal comes at a time when the US Department of Labor has reportedly suspended several major technology firms from the PERM (Permanent Labour Certification) program, which is a critical step for employer-sponsored green cards. This regulatory action has created significant uncertainty for many Indian professionals who have built their careers abroad.
The Shift in US Regulatory Environment
The US administration's move to tighten administrative policies has placed many large multinational tech companies under federal scrutiny. For thousands of Indian expatriates, the suspension of the PERM program raises questions about long-term career stability and the viability of remaining in the American market. Sridhar Vembu’s call is not just about sentiment; it is framed as a strategic opportunity to pivot this workforce toward building a self-reliant technological ecosystem within India.
Financial Context and Business Position
Unlike many of its peers in the IT services sector, Zoho remains a privately held, bootstrapped company, meaning it does not trade on the NSE or BSE. This structure allows the company to pursue long-term R&D goals without the immediate pressure of public market quarterly reporting. In the fiscal year 2025, Zoho reported consolidated revenue of approximately ₹12,313 crore, with a net profit of around ₹3,191 crore. The company maintains a debt-free balance sheet, having avoided the path of raising external venture capital.
Challenges and Strategic Risks
While the return of skilled talent could benefit Indian firms, there are notable risks and challenges to consider. Zoho, for example, is heavily reliant on international markets, with the United States accounting for nearly 41% of its total revenue. Any drastic change in global demand or further regulatory hurdles could impact its growth trajectory. Furthermore, the company has faced pressure on its profit margins as expenses—driven by heavy investment in data centers and R&D—grew by over 30% in FY25, outpacing revenue growth.
Industry observers note that for India to effectively absorb a sudden influx of highly skilled professionals, it must overcome structural gaps in research infrastructure and academic-industry collaboration. Without these, returning talent might look toward other global hubs, such as Singapore or the UK, rather than staying in India. Whether the domestic sector can create the high-value roles necessary to retain this talent, while managing the costs of such massive expansion, remains a critical monitorable for the industry.