India Reviews H-1B Visa Restrictions, Warns Of Humanitarian Impact
MEA studies US H-1B fee hike, seeks mitigation for affected Indian professionals.
India expressed concerns over the Trump administration’s new H-1B visa restrictions, which impose a $100,000 annual fee, warning of potential humanitarian consequences for Indian professionals in the United States. The measure, enacted through a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump on Friday, is expected to disrupt families and livelihoods, particularly affecting the large number of Indian tech workers who rely on H-1B visas for employment in the U.S.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government is studying the full implications of the policy, with input from Indian industry stakeholders. “This measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families,” Jaiswal said, expressing hope that U.S. authorities would address these disruptions appropriately. The fee hike, a sharp increase from the previous $215, could limit access to the H-1B program, which has been instrumental for Indian professionals in the U.S. tech sector.
Jaiswal emphasized the mutual benefits of skilled talent mobility, noting that it has significantly contributed to technological innovation, economic growth, and competitiveness in both nations. “Industries in India and the U.S. have a stake in innovation and creativity and can be expected to consult on the best path forward,” he added. The ministry underscored the importance of people-to-people ties in shaping bilateral relations.
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As India assesses the policy’s impact, policymakers are expected to consider strategies to mitigate challenges for Indian professionals while exploring alternative opportunities to sustain the benefits of global talent exchange.
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