mage Source : The Financial Express
In the wake of the United States government’s dramatic hike in H-1B visa fees, Zoho Corporation founder Sridhar Vembu has issued a heartfelt appeal to Indian tech professionals working in America. Drawing parallels with the resilience of Partition-era migrants, Vembu urged H-1B holders to consider returning to India and rebuilding their lives, stating that the current moment may be a turning point for the country’s global talent diaspora.
The White House proclamation, signed by President Donald Trump, mandates a USD 100,000 annual fee for each new H-1B visa application, triggering widespread concern across the tech industry. While existing visa holders are reportedly exempt from the fee, the broader implications for career mobility, employer sponsorship, and future renewals remain uncertain.
Key Highlights From Sridhar Vembu’s Appeal
- Sridhar Vembu called on Indian H-1B visa holders to return home and rebuild their careers in India
- He likened the situation to the Partition, citing stories of Sindhi families who thrived after starting over
- Vembu emphasized that it may take five years to rebuild, but the journey will make individuals stronger
- His message was shared via social media on September 21, 2025, amid growing anxiety over the visa fee hike
- The USD 100,000 fee applies to new H-1B applications and renewals, but not to current holders
A Message Rooted In Experience
Vembu’s message carries weight not only because of his stature in India’s tech ecosystem, but also due to his personal journey. After working in the United States, he returned to India and built Zoho into a globally respected SaaS company headquartered in rural Tamil Nadu. His success story is often cited as a model for reverse migration and grassroots innovation.
In his post, Vembu acknowledged the emotional and financial difficulty of leaving behind a life built in the US, but argued that India now offers abundant opportunities for those willing to take the leap. He encouraged professionals to embrace uncertainty and resist living in fear, asserting that the long-term rewards of rebuilding in India outweigh the short-term disruptions.
Industry Reaction And Broader Implications
The tech industry has been rattled by the fee hike, with companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta issuing urgent advisories to employees abroad to return to the US before the September 21 deadline. While the White House later clarified that existing visa holders are not affected, the policy has sparked debate over the future of skilled immigration and its impact on global talent flows.
Vembu’s call to action adds a new dimension to the conversation, shifting focus from policy resistance to personal agency. His message resonates with:
- Indian professionals facing stalled visa renewals or uncertain career paths
- Entrepreneurs considering relocation or remote-first business models
- Families weighing the long-term viability of staying abroad under tighter immigration rules
India’s Growing Appeal For Returnees
Vembu’s appeal also reflects a broader trend of Indian professionals returning home to tap into the country’s expanding tech landscape. With rising startup activity, improved infrastructure, and government-backed initiatives like Startup India and Digital India, the domestic ecosystem is increasingly seen as fertile ground for innovation and growth.
Key factors drawing returnees include:
- Access to venture capital and incubators
- Expanding markets in Tier II and III cities
- Opportunities in AI, fintech, health-tech, and SaaS
- Cultural familiarity and family proximity
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on the H-1B fee proclamation, Sridhar Vembu’s message stands out for its clarity, empathy, and optimism. His call to “make the bold move” is not just a reaction to policy—it is a vision for a future where Indian talent thrives on its own terms. Whether or not professionals choose to return immediately, the conversation around reverse migration and self-reliance has gained renewed urgency.
Sources: Times of India, Financial Express, NDTV.
Advertisement
Advertisement
