India is keenly engaging the US and other stakeholders on the regulations of the Trump administration's planned $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that the movement of Indian skilled professionals leads to innovation and economic growth in both countries.
The new charge, revealed last week by US President Donald Trump, is part of the steps the US has taken to curb so-called abuses of the H-1B visa program, which the US has portrayed as a "national security threat," while also limiting entry of non-immigrant employees. Indian nationals are likely to be severely impacted, having been granted nearly three-fourths of all H-1B visas in the last decade.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned in relation to a notice issued by the US Department of Homeland Security on proposed rulemaking for altering the H-1B program that stakeholders such as industry members have been provided with a month in which to offer feedback. Clarification and FAQs issued by the US made it clear that only one time would the $100,000 fee be imposed on new H-1B requests.
"On how it will unfold, this remains a fluid situation and we are continuing to be engaged at multiple levels," Jaiswal told a weekly media briefing, alluding to continuous dialogue between the external affairs ministry, the Indian embassy in Washington, and the US administration.
He emphasized that India is of the view that the movement of skilled professionals serves the interests of both nations. "We have asserted so previously as well – that skill talent movement and exchange between India and the US have made a huge difference to innovation, wealth generation, economic growth, competitiveness and productivity in both economies," Jaiswal mentioned.
“We want to remain engaged with all concerned, including the industry, and we hope that these factors will receive due consideration,” he said.
The huge increase in the fees on H-1B visas comes after a partial easing of India-US relations over recent months as tensions rose due to Trump's imposition of 50% duties on Indian products, including steps against Russian oil purchases.
Since 2010, more than 70% of approved H-1B applications have been for Indian employees. The visa allows firms to recruit foreign professionals specializing in fields like technology, engineering, and medicine.
Jaiswal also spoke about the Trump administration's plan to impose 100% tariffs on pharmaceuticals, heavy trucks, and furniture from October 1, adding that concerned Indian government departments are analyzing the issue to arrive at a clearer perception.
“As you are aware, India and the US are involved in [negotiations for] a bilateral trade agreement over the last few months. These ongoing discussions naturally cover all areas of interest to us,” he said.
Jaiswal pointed out that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 22. "The area of discussion was trade and tariffs. Our other aspects of our bilateral relations were also discussed," he added.
To queries regarding deportations, Jaiswal stated that the US deported a combined 2,417 Indian citizens from January 20 to September 25. The subject came back into the limelight after 73-year-old Harjit Kaur, who had spent three decades in the US, was deported.
Jaiswal pointed out that India advocates legal migration and is against illegal movement. "Once the Indian nationality of any individual who is in any nation without proper status is established, they are accepted back — and the same applies to the US," he added.
He went on to say that Indian officials have tightened the actions against illegal immigration, mentioning that various ministries are working with state governments to "crack down on agents [and] individuals who are encouraging illegal migration."
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