The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a statement regarding the stricter rules on the H-1B visa by the American Trump administration. The Ministry expressed that the Government of India has taken note of these reports and is thoroughly studying their full implications. Initial analyses by the Indian industry have been released to clarify certain misconceptions related to the H-1B program.
MEA stated that both Indian and American industries are invested in innovation and creativity, and can consult on the best paths forward for the future.
The Ministry also emphasized that the movement and exchange of skilled workers have significantly contributed to technological progress, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness, and wealth creation in both countries. Hence, policymakers are expected to consider the mutual benefits and strong people-to-people ties when assessing recent actions.
Expressing concern, MEA stated that the new rules may create difficulties and could have humanitarian impacts on families. The spokesperson pointed out the necessity to minimize disruption in the lives of professionals working on H-1B visas and their families. The Indian government hopes that the Trump administration and American authorities will provide an adequate solution to this disruption so that professionals and their families do not face unnecessary hardship.
H-1B Visa Fees Raised to 88 Lakh INR
President Donald Trump has announced that the fee for the American H-1B visa will now be 100,000 USD, approximately 88 lakh INR. Following Trump's decision, current visa holders, including H-1B employees, will be stopped from entering the U.S. from Sunday unless their company pays the annual fee of 100,000 USD.
Deadline Set for Sunday
The travel ban and fee requirement will apply to any H-1B holders entering the U.S. after 12:01 AM EDT (9:30 AM IST) on Sunday (21st September). As per the order, a payment of 100,000 USD will be required for new H-1B visas and extensions, with an annual continuation fee of 100,000 USD thereafter.
The order states, 'This announcement allows the Department of Homeland Security to exempt individual foreign nationals, foreign citizens working in specific companies, or foreign citizens in particular industries from the ban if deemed in the national interest of H-1B and not posing a threat to U.S. security or welfare.'
Visa Holders Stuck Outside
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick stated that for every three-year term of the visa, an annual cost of 100,000 USD will be incurred, although details are still under consideration. Cyrus Mehta, a prestigious immigration lawyer based in New York, noted that H-1B holders remaining in India have likely missed the deadline as no direct flight from India can arrive there on time.
He tweeted, 'H-1B visa holders who are outside of the U.S. for business or vacation will be stuck if they don't enter before midnight on the 21st of September. Those in India may have already missed the deadline since getting there on time via direct flights is unlikely.'
He further stated that the hefty 100,000 USD H-1B visa fee is intended to prevent misuse of the program and stop large IT companies from bringing in foreigners, many of whom are Indian. He criticized the H-1B program, stating that this move would harm the American economy, not the Indian economy.
