**Return to India: Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu Urges H-1B Visa Holders Amid US Fee Hike**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 06:24 PM*
Sridhar Vembu, Founder and Chief Scientist of Zoho Corporation and former CEO, has made a compelling appeal to Indian H-1B visa holders in the United States to consider returning to India. This call comes in response to the recent increase in H-1B visa fees implemented by the Trump administration.
### Fee Hike and Its Impact
The new policy introduces a one-time fee hike that affects only new H-1B visa petitions; existing visa holders are not subject to this charge. Despite this, the change has caused significant concern within the Indian expatriate community, with many fearing restricted re-entry opportunities into the US.
### A Historical Perspective: Lessons from 1947
Vembu drew a poignant comparison to the 1947 Partition, a tumultuous period when countless families had to abandon their homes and start afresh in India. He remarked, “I am sad to say this, but for Indians on an H1-B visa in America, this may be that time. Come back home.”
Acknowledging that rebuilding lives in India might require patience—potentially up to five years—he emphasized that this journey would ultimately lead to greater strength and resilience.
### Embracing Courage Over Fear
Highlighting the emotional challenge of such a move, Vembu encouraged H-1B visa holders not to view returning as a step born out of fear, but as a courageous and bold decision. “Do not live in fear. Make the bold move. You will do well,” he stated.
This message arrives amid a rush of H-1B visa holders currently outside the US attempting to return before the September 21 deadline, worried that the new rules might limit their ability to re-enter later.
### Indian Government’s Response
The Indian government is actively assessing the broader implications of the US government’s decision to increase H-1B visa fees. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has recognized the concerns raised and confirmed that all relevant stakeholders, including Indian industry representatives, are closely analyzing the potential effects.
Furthermore, the MEA noted that an initial industry-led analysis has been released to clarify certain perceptions surrounding the H-1B program.
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In these changing times, Sridhar Vembu’s message serves as a rallying call for Indian professionals abroad to consider the possibilities and opportunities for growth within India itself.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/sridhar-vembu-urges-h-1b-visa-holders-to-return-to-india/story
