The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday suggested that the Trump administration in the US must take into consideration the manner in which skilled talent exchange led to economic development in both the US and India.
During the weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged that the ministry is aware of new guidelines for the H-1B visa programme in the US. "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," Jaiswal said.
US President Donald Trump recently hiked the fee for H-1B visas to a whopping $100,000, equivalent to Rs 90 lakh. The move is expected to severely impact Indian tech companies and Indian professionals in the US, aiming to attain citizenship in the US. Reportedly, 70 per cent of H-1B visa applicants are Indians.
Noting the exchange of skilled individuals has enriched both nations, Jaiswal said, "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."
In an earlier statement, the MEA stressed that the changes in the visa programme is likely to have humanitarian consequences. MEA noted the move could disrupt families. "Government hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities," MEA had said earlier.