Harsimrat Kaur Badal Urges Action on Frozen Work Visas for Punjabi Drivers

Harsimrat Kaur Badal, a Member of Parliament representing the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has called on India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, to intervene regarding the issue of frozen work visas affecting foreign truck drivers, particularly those from Punjab. The appeal follows a tragic incident involving a Punjabi driver, which has raised concerns about potential repercussions for the entire community.

In a letter addressed to Jaishankar, Badal emphasized that punitive measures against all Punjabi truck drivers would be unjust, given their significant contributions to the US trucking industry over the years. She stated that the actions of one individual should not lead to widespread consequences for a community that has been integral to the logistics sector in the United States.

Concerns Over Mass Action

Badal expressed her worries that mass actions against Punjabi drivers could be discriminatory. In her post on social media platform X, she wrote, “Today I appealed to @DrSJaishankarto take up the issue of freezing the work visas of all foreign truck drivers following a fatal crash involving a Punjabi trucker with the US government.” She urged the minister to reassure the Punjabi community that those working in the trucking industry would not face forced departures.

Additionally, Badal highlighted the case of Harjinder Singh, the driver arrested in connection with the accident, who faces multiple charges of vehicular homicide. She called for consular support to ensure that Singh receives appropriate legal representation, stating, “A grave mistake by one driver should not be used to punish the entire community.”

Language Proficiency Rules and Economic Impact

In her correspondence, Badal also addressed new English language proficiency requirements for truck drivers. She requested that the Indian government advocate for flexibility in these regulations to allow foreign drivers, including Punjabis, sufficient time to meet the necessary standards. “Those failing such proficiency tests should be allowed to apply for the same again,” she argued, stressing that their livelihoods should not be jeopardized.

The concerns raised by Badal reflect a broader apprehension within the Punjabi community regarding the implications of recent regulatory changes in the trucking sector. As they navigate these challenges, the community remains hopeful for a resolution that acknowledges their contributions while ensuring fair treatment.

This appeal to Jaishankar represents an important step in addressing the complexities surrounding work visas and the rights of foreign workers in the US, particularly those from Punjab who have built their lives and careers in the industry.