'Taxing talent will hurt both nations': Ex-UN envoy on H-1B visa fee hike

The former envoy further warned that if the US restricts talent mobility, other countries could benefit.

The recent hike in H-1B visa fees could harm the flow of global talent between India and the U.S., warned former Indian permanent representative to the UN, Syed Akbaruddin, on Thursday.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, he described the visa as a bridge connecting the two countries.

“H-1B was a bridge between the US and India. However, today it's not seen as a ladder but as a loophole,” Akbaruddin said, noting that imposing excessive costs on the visa could backfire.

The former envoy’s remarks come amid rising concerns over the $100,000 H-1B visa fee proposed by the U.S. on September 20.

He elaborated on the broader impact, stating, “Taxing talent is a race we will both lose. Partners don't choke talent; they actually channelise talent. A $100,000 toll on a bridge of talent will hurt both sides of that bridge...We need to handle the dreams of young people very carefully. If tariff is tax on goods, this toll on H-1B is a tax on trust.”

Also, reflecting on the changing dynamics of global workforce mobility, Akbaruddin said, “Previously we used to call it brain drain, now we can look at it as brain gain...Global capability centres can become India's H-1B visa because if you do not allow talent to go out, then work will come inside and talent will migrate here. So, we need to look at it not as a loss but as a need to recalibrate...Every challenge provides opportunities.”

He further warned that if the US restricts talent mobility, other countries could benefit. “If America is hesitating to take talent, Bengaluru should take it, or Canada will take it. Talent will go where opportunity is,” Akbaruddin said, underlining the importance of viewing talent as a strategic resource rather than a taxable commodity.