Decision on H-1B visas… Chaos ensues, people disembark, US fares double

New Delhi: Trump’s H-1B visa fee hike has caused panic among tech giants. People desperately want to reach the US before September 21st. If they miss the deadline, they could face a payment of up to ₹8.8 million (approximately ₹8.81 million) or even lose their jobs. Trump’s decision has caused chaos at US airports, and flight fares from India to the US have also increased.

Indeed, Trump has increased the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 (approximately ₹8.81 million). This rule will apply to all employees coming to the US for the first time or again. It will be effective from September 21st. If an employee returns to the US after this date, their company will have to pay ₹8.8 million.

Air tickets became more expensive
Trump’s decision caused chaos at US airports. Reports suggest that many Indian tech experts deplaned as soon as the announcement was made. Furthermore, the cost of direct flights to the US for those stranded in India has skyrocketed, as airlines seek to capitalize on the chaos created by Trump.

Return to the US within 24 hours
Following Trump’s decision, several tech companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, and JPMorgan, have asked employees who have traveled to India or elsewhere to return within 24 hours. Employees currently abroad have been asked to return to the US immediately. Indians constitute approximately 70% of H-1B visa holders, so this move will have a greater impact on them.

Fares to the US increased this much
Within two hours of Trump’s announcement, flights from New Delhi to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFIP) increased. One-way flight fares to Kennedy International Airport have risen from around ₹37,000 to ₹70,000-₹80,000. One user posted on social media that the fare for a flight from New Delhi to New York City is currently $4,500. They are all rushing to their states because they are worried about the new H-1B visa rules.