By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON- Indian Embassy in Washington on Sunday released an emergency assistance number for Indian nationals in need of immediate support after massive H-1B visa hike by Trump administration.
US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing an annual fee of $100,000 on H-1B visa application, media reported.
“Indian nationals seeking emergency assistance may call cell number +1-202-550-9931 (and WhatsApp). This number should be used only by Indian nationals seeking immediate emergency assistance and not for routine consular queries,” the Embassy stated in a post on X.
The measure has raised serious concerns regarding its implications on Indian tech professionals and the flow of remittances, with 71 per cent of all H-1B visas being granted to Indian citizens.
A senior official from the US administration clarified that the steep fee would apply only to fresh H-1B visa petitions and not to existing holders or those seeking renewals, seeking to calm nerves.
White House said that it is a “one-time fee” that applies only to new visas and not renewals or current visa holders.
“This is a one-time fee that applies only to the petition. It only applies to new visas, not renewals or current visa holders. It will first apply in the upcoming lottery cycle,” a White House officialtold media outlet.
Indian government has instructed all its Missions and Posts to provide every possible assistance to the Indian nationals who are scheduled to return to the United States in the next 24 hours.
Ministry of External Affairs also noted the development, stated that it is carefully examining the far-reaching changes introduced to the H-1B visa programme, particularly the newly imposed annual fee.
The ministry expressed concern that the move could extend beyond financial ramifications and trigger humanitarian challenges for families.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said “The Government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H-1B visa program. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H-1B program.”
He cautioned that the step announced by Trump is likely to resonate beyond business circles.
“The full implications are being studied by all concerned, including the Indian industry, and the measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families,” he added.
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