Overview

• President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on H‑1B applications, with the White House and USCIS emphasizing it applies prospectively to new petitions and not to renewals.
• Weekend confusion triggered airport disruptions, including a delayed Emirates flight from San Francisco to Dubai, as major employers urged staff to postpone international travel until guidance was issued.
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs warned of humanitarian consequences for families, while tech and finance firms reassured employees after officials clarified scope and exemptions.
• Nasscom said uncertainty has eased and expects only a marginal impact on Indian IT firms, noting years of reduced H‑1B reliance and increased local hiring and upskilling in the U.S.
• Analysts estimated potential employer costs near $14 billion annually if volumes are unchanged and projected shifts to offshoring, near‑shoring and automation, as Gulf states and China move to attract talent, including Beijing’s new K visa for young STEM professionals.