India’s First Reaction To Trump’s $100k H-1B Visa Fee: Warns Of Humanitarian Impact

India on Saturday said it is carefully assessing the implications of the United States' decision to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, while warning that the move could have significant "humanitarian consequences."

"The government has taken note of reports regarding the proposed restrictions on the US H-1B visa program. The full impact of the measure is being examined by all stakeholders, including Indian industry, which has already released an initial analysis addressing some misconceptions around the H-1B program," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The ministry emphasized that both India and the US have a shared interest in "innovation and creativity" and are expected to consult on the way forward. It further noted that "skilled talent mobility and exchanges have played a crucial role in advancing technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness, and wealth creation in both the United States and India."

Highlighting the human angle, the MEA said the new visa fee could cause "humanitarian consequences by way of disruption for families."

Trump's H-1B visa move

US President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation raising the annual H-1B visa fee to $100,000 - a massive increase from the existing $1,000-5,000 range. The move is the latest in the administration's push to curb immigration.

India, which accounts for 71% of H-1B visa holders, is set to be most affected. Currently, around 300,000 Indian professionals, mainly from the technology sector, work in the US on H-1B visas.

An HT analysis noted that Trump's decision effectively dismantles the H-1B program, as the new $100,000 fee exceeds the median annual salary of an entry-level H-1B worker and represents more than 80% of the average annual salary of all visa holders.

The visa fee hike comes against the backdrop of a downturn in India-US ties. Washington had already imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods starting August 7, followed by another 25% penalty levy on August 27 over New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil, taking the total tariff rate to 50%.

Despite tensions, recent exchanges between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump on social media had suggested some improvement in ties.

Hours after Trump signed the proclamation, PM Modi addressed a public gathering in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, where he stressed the importance of self-reliance. "The real enemy of the country is dependence on others," Modi said, underlining the need for India to reduce external dependence.