The Trump administration’s announcement that it will raise the H-1B fee to $100,000 is being watched closely in India—given the deep ramifications it has for Indian professionals as well as companies. This is a one-time fee. Indian nationals accounted for over 70% of H-1B visas issued in 2024. Some Indian companies, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys, have also benefited significantly from the H-1B visa system.
The decision has also prompted Indian professionals to look at alternatives to the US. Countries like Germany and Japan, which have been seeking to attract international students, will also seek to attract talent in the tech sector. There has been a rise in Indian students going to Germany. One of the reasons has been the affordable and high-quality education offered by state universities in the European nation. The 18-month post-work visa offered in Germany is also one of the major factors that makes the European nation an attractive destination.
Japan, on its part, has begun to offer a fully funded scholarship—MEXT—for international students. Both these countries are also introducing English-speaking courses.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy at an event said:
“There is no loss if one cannot go to America (for job opportunities). Developed countries like Germany, Japan, and South Korea are there.
Reasons for the UAE being an attractive destination
Apart from Japan and Germany, one country that has emerged as a choice for students and professionals is the UAE. There has been an increase in the number of Indian students going to the UAE. There are several reasons for the same. The primary advantage the UAE has over other destinations is its geographical proximity to South Asia. Second, while the US and other countries in the Anglosphere have been restricting the inflow of international students, like several other countries, the UAE has been seeking to attract more international students. The UAE is also home to Australian and Western overseas university campuses. In 2022, the UAE hosted over 44 international branch campuses. Several Indian institutions, including BITS Pilani, SP Jain School of Global Management, Manipal University, and Amity University, have campuses in the UAE (IIT-Delhi has set up an international campus in Abu Dhabi).
The UAE’s decision to include professionals with special skills and outstanding students in the Golden Visa—a long-term residency visa—will also make the UAE a favored destination for students. In recent years, the UAE, along with other Gulf nations, has been focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and has been seeking to attract professional talent. The Dubai Internet City is an important technological hub home to top global IT giants.
The Trump administration’s recent announcement is likely to give a boost to the UAE’s focus on attracting skilled IT professionals. In recent years, Indian professionals have been showing a growing interest in the UAE, and recent developments could result in more Indian professionals—especially in the IT sector—exploring opportunities in the UAE.
In conclusion, Indian students as well as professionals are likely to explore alternatives to the US. While it is true that several countries—including Germany and Japan—will try to attract talent from India, the UAE has several advantages, which have been discussed earlier.
