"Desperate to Return: Man Spends $8,000 on Last-Ditch Flight Back to US Amid Visa Fears"

H-1B Visa Fears Spark Panic Among Skilled Foreign Workers In a desperate bid to avoid steep visa fees, one man spent over $8,000 on flights to return to the US ahead of a looming deadline, according to reports from Delhi. Rohan Mehta, whose real name has been withheld for privacy reasons, cut short his trip to Nagpur, India, where he had traveled for his father's anniversary, after President Donald Trump signed an executive order adding a $100,000 fee for applicants to the H-1B visa programme. The move, which was announced on Friday, sparked widespread panic among skilled foreign workers and their employers, who scrambled to comply with the new regulations. Companies and immigration lawyers had already advised those on the visa programme to take action before the deadline, but it was too late for some, including Mehta. According to sources, he spent over $8,000 (approximately £5,900) on flights to return to the US, a significant financial burden for many who were caught off guard by the sudden change. The H-1B visa programme is designed to allow skilled foreign workers to work in the US, and it has become a crucial component of the country's workforce. However, the new fee structure has raised concerns among employers, who fear that the increased costs will drive up their expenses and potentially lead to job losses. According to immigration lawyers, the new fees could have a significant impact on companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which may struggle to absorb the additional costs. The White House later clarified its position on current visa holders, stating that they would not be affected by the new fee structure. However, this clarification came too late for some individuals, including Mehta, who had already made arrangements to return to the US. In a statement, an immigration lawyer based in Delhi expressed concern about the impact of the new fees on skilled foreign workers and their families. "The sudden introduction of these fees has caused significant uncertainty and anxiety among our clients," said the lawyer, who wished to remain anonymous. "We are working closely with employers and employees to navigate this complex situation and ensure that everyone is aware of their options." As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the new fee structure will affect the H-1B visa programme and the thousands of skilled foreign workers who rely on it. One thing is clear, however: the sudden change has sparked a wave of panic among those affected, with many scrambling to comply with the new regulations before the deadline. Background The H-1B visa programme was established in 1990 to allow skilled foreign workers to work in the US. The programme has become increasingly popular over the years, with thousands of applications submitted each year. However, the programme has also been criticized for its perceived impact on American workers and the economy. In recent years, there have been efforts to reform the H-1B visa programme, including proposals to increase fees and tighten eligibility requirements. The new executive order signed by President Trump is the latest development in this ongoing debate. Next Steps As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the new fee structure will affect the H-1B visa programme and its stakeholders. Employers and employees are advised to seek guidance from immigration lawyers and consult with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Sources: BBC World: "H-1B: Man spent $8,000 on flights to get back to the US after visa fears" BBC Business: "H-1B: Man spent $8,000 on flights to get back to the US after visa fears" This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BBC Business.