India on Saturday said it is examining Donald Trump’s move to raise H-1B visa fees to USD 100,000 annually, warning the step could have humanitarian consequences for families.
India on Saturday reacted to Donald Trump’s decision to hike H-1B visa fees to USD 100,000 annually, saying the move is still being studied by all stakeholders.
Trump signed the proclamation ‘Restriction on entry of certain nonimmigrant workers’ on Friday, calling abuse of the programme a “national security threat.”
“The Government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H1B visa program. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H1B program,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
The MEA warned the measure is “likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families,” and added, “Government hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities.”
It also stressed that skilled talent mobility has greatly boosted technology development, innovation, economic growth and people-to-people ties between India and the US.
“The industry in both India and the US has a stake in innovation and creativity and can be expected to consult on the best path forward,” the ministry noted.
The H-1B visa, popular among Indian tech professionals, is valid for three years and can be renewed once for another three.
End of Article