Labor Dept Bans 4 Firms From H-1B Hiring Over Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor has designated GowraTech, LLC, Renotek Group LLC, Seeloz, Inc., and Sherwood at Mount Dora, Inc. as willful violators, a status that prohibits them from filing new H-1B petitions for at least one year. The action follows investigations that found the companies failed to meet wage and working condition requirements for foreign workers.

Under the H-1B program, employers must pay the prevailing wage for the occupation and provide working conditions that do not adversely affect U.S. workers. The Labor Department's Wage and Hour Division conducted the probes, which uncovered violations including underpayment of wages and failure to maintain required records.

The debarment, announced on the department's website, takes effect immediately. The companies may reapply after the debarment period ends, but they must first demonstrate compliance with labor laws and pay any back wages owed.

The Labor Department said the enforcement action is part of a broader effort to protect U.S. workers and ensure the integrity of the visa program. The agency has increased scrutiny of H-1B employers in recent years, targeting those that misuse the program to undercut wages or displace American workers.