H-1B visa fee hike: Indian Embassy in US issues emergency assistance number

Currently, the H-1B visa fee that companies pay to sponsor H-1B applicants ranges from about $2,000-5,000, depending on employer size and other costs.

In his proclamation, Trump said the H-1B visa programme was created to bring temporary workers into the US to perform additive, high-skilled functions, but it has been deliberately exploited to replace, rather than supplement, American workers with lower-paid, lower-skilled labour.

"The abuse of the H-1B programme is also a national security threat. Domestic law enforcement agencies have identified and investigated H-1B-reliant outsourcing companies for engaging in visa fraud, conspiracy to launder money..., and other illicit activities to encourage foreign workers to come to the US." Trump said.

Soon after Trump signed the proclamation on Saturday, the Indian government said this measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of disruption for families.

"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," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

"This measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families. Government hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities,," he added.