Sat Sep 20 13:01:34 UTC 2025: **Summary:** The Trump administration is implementing a new $100,000 annual fee on H-1B worker visas in the US. India’s Foreign Ministry expressed concern about the potential humanitarian consequences and disruptions to families, noting that Indian nationals are the largest beneficiaries of H-1B visas. Nasscom, India’s leading trade body, also voiced concern over the abrupt rollout of the policy. The fee may force companies to move some high-value work overseas and affect the US innovation ecosystem. Major US tech firms advised employees holding H-1B visas to remain in the US. South Korea is also assessing the impact of the measures.

**News Article:**

**India Warns of “Humanitarian Consequences” as US Hikes H-1B Visa Fees**

**Washington D.C.** – The Trump administration’s move to impose a new $100,000 annual fee on H-1B worker visas is drawing sharp criticism, with India’s Foreign Ministry warning of “potential disruptions for families” and broader humanitarian consequences. The fee, slated to take effect immediately, is raising concerns about its impact on skilled workers and the tech industry.

“We are studying the full implications of this policy and hope that any disruptions can be addressed suitably by US authorities,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Saturday. India is the largest beneficiary of the H-1B visa program, which allows companies to sponsor foreign workers with specialized skills.

Nasscom, India’s leading trade body for the IT and business process outsourcing industry, echoed these concerns, calling the abrupt rollout a matter of “concern” that would affect Indian nationals and disrupt the continuity of ongoing onshore projects.

While a White House official stated the fee applies only to new visas, the steep cost could fundamentally alter the H-1B system, impacting the ability of companies to attract top talent. Critics fear this will force businesses to relocate high-value work overseas, potentially hindering the US’s competitive edge in key sectors like artificial intelligence.

Major US tech firms, including Microsoft, JPMorgan, and Amazon, have reportedly advised their employees on H-1B visas to remain in the United States. South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also announced it will assess the impact of the new measures on its companies and professionals.

The visa fee is the latest move in a broader crackdown on immigration by the Trump administration. The administration argues that the changes ensure companies only sponsor workers with the most specialized skills. However, analysts suggest that the cost may force companies to move some high-value work overseas, hampering the US’s position in the high-stakes artificial intelligence race with China. It is expected that the new fee will face legal challenges.

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