In brief
India has voiced its concerns over a newly instituted $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications by the U.S., stating it could disrupt families and have significant humanitarian consequences. The change, which takes effect on September 21, was criticized by India's Ministry of External Affairs, highlighting the essential role of skilled worker exchanges between the two nations. U.S. companies are reportedly advising H-1B visa holders to remain in the country or return promptly, adding to the uncertainty amidst ongoing trade negotiations between India and the U.S.
The Indian government has said a new $100,000 (£74,000) fee for applicants seeking US skilled worker visas will have humanitarian consequences.
President Donald Trump on Friday ordered the new fee for H-1B visa applications, which is more than 60 times the amount currently charged, to go into effect on 21 September.
Workers from India receive by far the most skilled visas in the programme, at just more than 70% of those issued.
Some US tech companies reportedly advised employees with H-1B visas to stay in the US or, if they were out of the country, to try to return immediately. The White House then on Saturday clarified the fee will not apply to current visas or renewal applications.
A statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said the fee would have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families.
The Indian government hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities, it also said.
The exchange of skilled workers has contributed enormously to both nations, the statement said, adding: Policy makers will therefore assess recent steps taking into account mutual benefits, which include strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The statement did not provide specifics on any potential response from India's government.
Since Trump imposed punishing tariffs on India last month for purchasing Russian oil, the two countries have been locked in tense trade negotiations. The US exported $41.5bn worth of goods to India in 2024, and imported more than double that, $87.3 bn, according to the US Trade Representative's office.
On Saturday, the Indian government said its commerce minister Piyush Goyal would visit the US on Monday for trade talks, according to Reuters.
Making such a major change to the H-1B programme in such a narrow window of created considerable uncertainty for businesses, professionals, and students across the world, India's leading trade body Nasscom said.
In announcing the planned change, the White House said the visas were not being used as intended, citing data it said suggests some visas are being abused to undercut American wages and outsource IT jobs.
But the order allows for case-by-case exemptions if in the national interest, the White House said.
