Changes in H-1B visas may hit families, and decision makers must consider mutual benefits: MEA
India expressed concern on Saturday about the Trump administration’s new restrictions on the H-1B visa program, saying the move could have humanitarian consequences. The government hopes that the U.S. authorities will properly address the “damage” caused by the policy.
The reaction took place hours after U.S. President Donald Trump signed a declaration that imposed an annual charge of $100,000 on H-1B visa applications, a move expected to affect Indian professionals working in the United States.
Please read also: H-1B visa fees may have a ripple effect on US innovation, work economy: NASSCOM
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MEA highlights home outages
“This measure could have humanitarian consequences through the damage caused to families. The government hopes that the U.S. authorities can properly address these damages,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal.
Jaiswal added that everyone, including Indian industry, has conducted research on the “all meaning” of the measure. He stressed that both the Indian and American industries have innovative and creative stakes and are expected to consult on the best path forward.
Please read also:H-1B visa fee rate hike: Center, NASSCOM assesses the impact of Trump’s $100K H-1B levy
Impact on innovation and technology ecosystems
Jaiswal said, “Skilled talent mobility and exchange have contributed greatly to the technological development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness and wealth creation in the United States and India. Therefore, policy makers will evaluate the latest steps in mutual benefit, including a strong human-to-person relationship between the two countries.”
NASSCOM, an IT industry institution in India, also expressed concerns about the new $100,000 fee, saying it could undermine global business continuity and the U.S. innovation ecosystem. Nasscom said in a statement that the changes could have a ripple effect on the U.S. innovation ecosystem and the broader employment economy, while also affecting the impact of Indian nationals on H-1B visas.
The industry body notes that technology service companies in India will also be affected, as onshore projects may need to be adjusted to ensure business continuity. “The company will work closely with its customers to adapt and manage the transition,” Nasscom added.
