‘Indians pleaded to get off’: Chaos on plane in US after Trump’s H-1B shock | Video

The Emirates flight, which was scheduled for departure, was reportedly delayed for over three hours as ground staff managed the chaotic exit process.

Also Read | ‘Disruption for families’: India’s first response to Donald Trump’s $100k H-1B visa fee

The panic was caused after the news that the US government introduced a steep $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B visa petitions, and hinted at further scrutiny for visa holders, emerged. Although the order had not yet been fully implemented or clarified at the time, the impact was immediate.

Most companies urge employees to stay put

Several companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and JP Morgan, urged its employees on H‑1B and H‑4 visas to return to the United States before September 21 while those already in the US were advised to stay put and avoid international travel to prevent potential visa issues.

The new order proposes to raise the H-1B visa fee to a staggering USD 100,000 annually, a move which will adversely affect Indian professionals in the US.

Currently, the H-1B visa fee ranges from about USD 2,000 to USD 5,000, depending on employer size and other costs.

The H-1B visas, which are very popular among Indian tech professionals, are valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years.