'India Engaged With US On H-1B Visa Fee Hike': MEA Shares Update On New Rules

India on Friday reaffirmed its engagement with the Donald Trump administration and US industry stakeholders, voicing concern over the steep hike in H-1B visa fees. While stressing that skilled talent mobility

has been mutually beneficial, New Delhi said it would remain engaged with all concerned, including the industry."We have seen the notice by the US Department of Homeland Security regarding the proposed rulemaking. I understand that stakeholders including the industry have one month to provide their comments," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at a press conference on Friday. "As we stated earlier, skilled talent mobility and exchanges have contributed enormously to technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness and wealth creation in the United States and India. We would remain engaged with all concerned including the industry, hoping that these factors receive due consideration," he added. Also Read: 'Donald Trump's H1B Visa Move Driven By...': Shashi Tharoor

Trump's $100,000 fee for H-1B visa

On Friday, Donald Trump raised the H-1B visa fee from the current $2,000–$5,000 to a whopping $100,000 (approximately Rs 88 lakh). This is a one-time fee that US companies will have to pay to the government if they want to hire foreign employees. Trump's view is that American jobs should go to US workers first, and companies should hire foreign employees only for extraordinary talent. The proposed $100,000 H-1B fee, he believes, will ensure that only individuals who bring expertise surpassing local talent are recruited.India, which accounts for over 70 per cent of H-1B visa holders, is going to be significantly affected by this decision. However, many political analysts, politicians, and geopolitical experts see this move as a blessing for the nation, as it could trigger a reverse brain drain.