**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 heartfelt appeal to Indian H-1B visa holders in the United States to consider returning to India. This call comes in response to the recent hike in H-1B visa fees implemented by President Donald Trump’s administration.
### The Fee Increase and Its Impact
The recent increase in H-1B visa fees is a one-time charge applied only to new visa petitions. Current H-1B visa holders are exempt from this additional fee. Nevertheless, the change has created uncertainty among prospective and existing applicants, prompting many to rethink their future in the US.
### A Historical Perspective: Lessons from 1947
Drawing a parallel with the 1947 Partition, Vembu acknowledged the challenges involved in starting over. He remarked, “I am sad to say this, but for Indians on an H-1B visa in America, this may be that time. Come back home.”
He emphasized that although rebuilding lives in India might take up to five years, this process would ultimately strengthen individuals and their families.
### Encouraging Resilience and Boldness
Vembu encouraged those considering the move not to see it as an act of fear but as a courageous and strategic choice. “Do not live in fear. Make the bold move. You will do well,” he said, urging H-1B visa holders to embrace the opportunity to return.
His comments come at a time when hundreds of visa holders outside the US are rushing back before the September 21 deadline, worried they might be denied re-entry once the new fees take effect.
### Official Response from the Indian Government
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively assessing the impact of the US decision to increase H-1B visa fees. The MEA has acknowledged media reports regarding the proposed restrictions and is working closely with Indian industry stakeholders to study the implications.
An initial analysis clarifying some common perceptions about the H-1B program has already been released by industry representatives, helping to shed light on the evolving visa landscape.
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As the situation unfolds, many Indian professionals in the US face a critical choice about their careers and futures—a choice that Sridhar Vembu frames as one of resilience and boldness in the face of change.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/sridhar-vembu-urges-h-1b-visa-holders-to-return-to-india/story
