Fri Feb 07 02:51:13 UTC 2025: ## Indians Dominate H1B Visas, While Ukrainian Student Numbers Plummet: Rajya Sabha
**New Delhi, February 7, 2025** – Indian nationals secured a significant 72.3% of all H1B visas issued by the United States between October 2022 and September 2023, the Indian government revealed in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. This data, sourced from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, highlights the continued reliance of American industries on skilled Indian professionals. The government affirmed its ongoing engagement with the U.S. administration regarding the H1B visa program.
In a separate development, the Rajya Sabha was informed about a dramatic decrease in the number of Indian students studying in Ukraine. Before the conflict, 21,928 Indian students were enrolled in Ukrainian universities. However, by November 1, 2024, this number had dwindled to a mere 1,802.
Concerning other global conflicts, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar provided updates on the situation of Indian students in Israel and Palestine. Approximately 900 Indian students, primarily pursuing STEM PhDs or postdoctoral studies, are currently in Israel. Following the October 7, 2023, attacks, ‘Operation Ajay’ facilitated the return of 1,309 Indians, including 768 students, with most having since returned to resume their studies. The minister confirmed that no Indian students are currently enrolled in Palestinian universities.
The government also noted that it does not currently possess data on the number of Indian migrants who have returned to India in the last five years due to economic downturns abroad. Responsibility for the reintegration of these migrants rests with individual state governments. The government welcomed the January 15, 2025 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, expressing hope for sustained humanitarian aid and the release of all hostages.
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