Introduction

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has urged Indian professionals working in the United States on H-1B visas to return to India in light of the recent hike in U.S. visa fees. Vembu argued that Indians should not live in fear of shifting immigration policies and instead channel their skills into strengthening India’s own technology ecosystem. His remarks come amid growing uncertainty for foreign workers in the U.S., where rising costs and political shifts threaten long-term stability.

Background

• H-1B Visa Context: The H-1B program allows U.S. companies to employ foreign professionals, particularly in IT and engineering. Indians form the largest group of beneficiaries.

• Policy Changes: The U.S. administration recently announced a sharp hike in visa fees, sparking concerns among Indian workers.

• Vembu’s Advocacy: As the founder of Zoho, a global SaaS leader built from India, Sridhar Vembu has consistently advocated for strengthening India’s domestic talent base.

Key Remarks by Vembu

1. Indians should not depend on uncertain immigration systems for career stability.

2. India needs its engineers and professionals more than foreign economies do.

3. Returning workers can contribute to local innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

4. Building careers in India offers greater long-term security than temporary visas like H-1B.

Issues Raised

• Uncertainty in U.S. Immigration: Workers face frequent policy changes, stricter scrutiny, and higher costs.

• Dependence on Foreign Job Markets: Heavy reliance on the U.S. makes Indian professionals vulnerable to global politics.

• Domestic Brain Drain: Continued migration drains India of top talent, slowing local innovation.

• Need for Strong Ecosystem: Encouraging returnees can fuel start-ups, skill transfer, and mentorship for younger professionals.

Current Relevance

• Thousands of Indian IT workers in the U.S. are worried about fee hikes and visa renewals.

• Indian entrepreneurs like Vembu see this as an opportunity to redirect talent back home.

• India’s growing tech industry offers increasing potential for high-value innovation and entrepreneurship.

Conclusion

Sridhar Vembu’s call reflects a broader shift in mindset among Indian business leaders who believe that India’s future lies in self-reliance and talent retention. By urging H-1B holders to return, Vembu highlights both the risks of over-dependence on foreign markets and the opportunities that lie in building a robust domestic ecosystem. His message resonates strongly at a time when global uncertainties make local opportunities more attractive than ever.