Sat Sep 20 14:54:57 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text, focusing on the key information:
**US Visa Fee Hike Sparks Concerns in India Over “Humanitarian Consequences” and Tech Industry Impact**
**New Delhi, India – September 21, 2025** – A significant increase in the H-1B visa application fee by the United States, initiated by US President Donald Trump, is drawing strong reactions from India, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressing concerns about potential “humanitarian consequences” and disruptions to families.
Under the new policy, companies sponsoring H-1B visa applicants will face a $100,000 fee, a substantial increase from the existing range of $2,000 to $5,000. The Trump administration argues this measure is intended to ensure only highly skilled workers are brought into the U.S., preventing the displacement of American workers. White House staff secretary Will Scharf has stated the H-1B visa program is one of the most abused visa systems currently in the US.
The MEA stated that it is studying the implications of the fee hike, noting that the Indian industry has already begun an initial analysis. The Ministry has also emphasized the mutual benefits of talent mobility and exchange between India and the US, particularly in technology, innovation, and economic growth. “Policy makers will therefore assess recent steps taking into account mutual benefits, which include strong people-to-people ties between the two countries” the ministry said in a statement.
India is a major recipient of H-1B visas, accounting for approximately 71% of visa holders. An estimated 300,000 skilled Indian tech workers are currently in the U.S. on these visas.
Nasscom, India’s leading tech industry association, has warned that the fee hike will negatively impact Indian technology services companies, potentially disrupting onshore projects and forcing adjustments to business operations. Indian IT giants like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, which heavily rely on H-1B visas, could face significant financial burdens, potentially leading to reduced hiring or a shift of jobs back to India.
H-1B visas allow U.S. companies to employ foreign workers with specialized skills for a period of three to six years. The U.S. currently grants 85,000 H-1B visas annually through a lottery system.
The MEA hopes US authorities will address the matter, considering the long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship between the two nations in technology and economic development.
First Piper 