Stuck in India: Amazon breaks strict RTO policy; allows remote work until March
Amazon is giving its India-based employees a temporary remote work pass until early March due to visa processing snags. But, there are strict rules: no coding, no big strategy talks, and definitely no chatting with customers. This shows how big tech companies are really feeling the pinch from H-1B visa backlogs, messing with their work and how much gets done.
Amazon is giving its India-based employees a temporary remote work pass until early March due to visa processing snags. But, there are strict rules: no coding, no big strategy talks, and definitely no chatting with customers. This shows how big tech companies are really feeling the pinch from H-1B visa backlogs, messing with their work and how much gets done.
Amazon is allowing employees stranded in India due to visa processing delays to work remotely until early March, marking a rare exception to CEO Andy Jassy's strict five-day return-to-office policy that took effect in January 2025.
The company informed affected workers through an internal memo that those in India as of December 13 and awaiting rescheduled visa appointments can work remotely until March 2, according to Business Insider, which obtained the document. However, the arrangement comes with significant restrictions: employees cannot code, make strategic decisions, or interact with customers.The move highlights how the Trump administration's rapid changes to the H-1B visa program are forcing major tech companies to adapt their policies.
New requirements mandating consular officers to review visa applicants' social media posts before approval have created substantial processing delays, with some US embassies and consulates rescheduling appointments as far out as 2027.
India Flags H-1B Visa Delays With US As Indians Face Backlogs Scrutiny And Policy Uncertainty
Strict limitations apply to remote work arrangement
The temporary remote work permission includes extensive constraints that limit what employees can actually accomplish. Workers are barred from any coding activities, including troubleshooting and testing, and cannot work from or visit Amazon buildings.
They also cannot negotiate contracts, make hiring decisions, or perform activities related to managing customer, partner, or vendor relationships."All reviews, final decision making, and sign offs should be undertaken outside India," the memo states, adding that "in compliance with local laws, there are no exceptions to these restrictions."For technical employees whose roles center on coding and development, the limitations raise questions about productivity.