Amid tensions between India and the United States over the recent hikes in H-1B visa fees, German ambassador to India, Dr Philipp Ackermann, has extended an invitation to skilled Indian workers to the nation.
"Here is my call to all highly skilled Indians," Ackermann wrote on X, with a video of himself highlighting Indians working in the country. "Germany stands out with its stable migration policies, and with great job opportunities for Indians in IT, management, science and tech."
In the video message, Ackermann highlighted how Indians are among the top earners in Germany.
“Indians are among the top earners in Germany. The average Indian working in Germany earns more than the average German in the country. That’s pretty good news. Because high salary means that Indians are contributing big time to our society and our welfare,” he said.
“We believe in hard work and we believe in giving the best jobs to best people. Our migration policy works a bit like a German car: It’s reliable, modern and predictable. It will go in a straight line with no zig zags. And you don’t have to fear a full break at a top speed. We do not change our rules fundamentally overnight. Highly skilled Indians are welcome in Germany,” the envoy added.
US H-1B visa row
The statement comes after US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that will cause a major overhaul of H-1B visa petitions.
According to the proclamation, there will now be a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, a sharp increase from the previous level of about $1,500.
The US State Department also clarified that the new fee requirement applies only to individuals or companies filing fresh H-1B petitions or entering the lottery system after September 21. Current visa holders and petitions submitted before that date remain unaffected.
With Indians comprising more than 70 per cent of H-1B visa holders in recent years, the policy change is likely to impact them the most.
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