Hyderabad: Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Sunday expressed strong concern over reports of a steep hike in U.S. H-1B visa fees, warning that the move could severely affect Indian tech professionals, especially those from Telangana.

He stated that the proposed fee—reportedly around ₹90 lakh (approximately USD 100,000)—would damage the aspirations of young professionals and reduce global mobility for skilled workers. Telangana, with Hyderabad as its tech hub, sends a large number of IT professionals to the U.S. each year.

Minister Prabhakar said such abrupt and high-cost changes could disrupt Indo-U.S. collaboration in talent and technology. “These hikes create uncertainty for youth and global firms alike,” he noted.

Minister urges Centre to act on H-1B visa fee hike

Calling for immediate intervention, Prabhakar urged the Government of India to raise the issue diplomatically and ensure protection for India’s tech workforce. He also appealed to IT companies, industry bodies, and NRI groups to unite and highlight the wider economic consequences of the decision.

H-1B visa hike shows the cost of silence.

Years ago, warnings were given by our leader @RahulGandhi
today, Indian tech talent pays the price.
When leaders @narendramodi ignore issues that affect our youth and professionals abroad, the nation suffers.

Time for a foreign policy… pic.twitter.com/Ptxq6E3Oj7

— Ponnam Prabhakar (@Ponnam_INC) September 21, 2025

The minister assured that the Telangana government stands with affected families and professionals. He said the state will coordinate with the Centre to safeguard international opportunities for Telangana’s skilled workforce.