India wants to lure back its best minds after H-1B visa chaos - but it won't be easy

October 5, 2025

President Trump's sudden increase of H-1B visa fees to $100,000 has prompted Indian government officials to encourage skilled Indians abroad to return home. While some Indian professionals are considering returning due to the increasingly hostile U.S. immigration environment, experts believe attracting large numbers back will be challenging. The article highlights individuals like Nithin Hassan who left successful careers in America to return to India and start businesses, including one that helps other non-resident Indians relocate.

Who is affected

Indian technology, medical, and innovation professionals living in the U.S.
H-1B visa holders facing increased fees and uncertainty
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) considering returning to their homeland
Indian students from Ivy League universities contemplating returning after studies
Senior Indian executives and tech leaders in the U.S.
Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India that could employ returning professionals

What action is being taken

The Indian government is actively encouraging overseas Indians to return and contribute to nation-building
Nithin Hassan is operating a platform called B2I (Back to India) that helps Indians in the U.S. navigate challenges of returning home
Other countries like Germany are actively recruiting skilled Indian migrants by promoting themselves as "predictable and rewarding" destinations
Global Capability Centres (offshore operations of multinational companies) in India are expanding, creating potential job opportunities for returning Indians

Why it matters

The situation represents a potential opportunity for India to attract global talent and reverse decades of brain drain
Over half a million Indians have renounced their citizenship since 2020, and India is among the top five countries experiencing flight of millionaires
Returning professionals could contribute to India's development in technology and innovation sectors
The trend affects U.S. technology companies that rely on Indian talent
Changes in migration patterns could impact both the American and Indian economies
The situation reflects shifting global immigration policies and their consequences

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC