"On Friday, the US president announced new rules around the H1-B visas, which allows companies to hire foreign workers in skilled occupations like IT, healthcare and engineering, to work in the US for up to six years. The H1-B visas are designed to allow US companies to hire skilled foreign workers in areas where there have been shortages in the domestic work market. India had become by far the largest beneficiary of H-1B visas, accounting for 71% of approved visas in 2024."
"A statement from India's external affairs ministry over the weekend said the fee would have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families. The Indian government said it hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities and emphasised that the exchange of skilled workers has contributed enormously to both nations. In comments on Sunday, India's commerce minister Piyush Goyal said: They are also a little afraid of our talent. We have no objection to that."
President Trump imposed a $100,000 fee on H1-B visas, a 60-fold increase that took effect on Sunday. H1-B visas allow companies to hire foreign workers in skilled occupations such as IT, healthcare and engineering for up to six years and address domestic shortages. India received 71% of approved H-1B visas in 2024. The White House said the visas were being abused to undercut American wages and outsource IT jobs by hiring cheaper foreign labour. India warned of humanitarian consequences from family disruption and urged US authorities to address the impact, while Indian ministers noted concern over losing talent. The fee immediately affected major IT firms and prompted market reactions.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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