India is studying the impact of the proposed curbs on the H-1B visa, said the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday after Donald Trump signed a proclamation to raise the H-1B visa fee to a staggering USD 100,000 annually. The move will adversely affect Indian technology professionals in the US.
On Friday, Trump signed the proclamation ‘Restriction on entry of certain nonimmigrant workers’, stating the abuse of the H-1B visa programme is a “national security threat”.
Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said in a statement, “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.”
“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. Skilled talent mobility and exchanges have contributed enormously to technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness and wealth creation in the United States and India,” the statement added.
“Policy makers will therefore assess recent steps taking into account mutual benefits, which include strong people-to-people ties between the two countries. This measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families. Government hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities,” it read further.
