Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has advised Indian professionals on H-1B visas in the United States to consider returning home following a massive increase in visa fees announced by US President Donald Trump. The new regulations require companies hiring foreign professionals to pay $100,000 per H-1B visa application.
In a post on X, Vembu drew a parallel between the current visa situation and the Partition of India. He referenced stories of his Sindhi friends whose families had to leave everything behind but eventually rebuilt their lives successfully in India.
“I am sad to say this, but for Indians on an H1-B visa in America, this may be that time. Come back home. It may take 5 years to rebuild your lives but it will make you stronger. Do not live in fear. Make the bold move. You will do well,” he said.
Vembu, who himself returned to India after working in the US to build Zoho into a global SaaS company, highlighted the opportunities available in India today. He emphasized that India now offers multiple avenues for growth that were not as accessible in the past.
Implications for India’s tech ecosystemThe H-1B fee hike could trigger a reverse migration of skilled Indian professionals, potentially strengthening the domestic technology and start-up sectors. With a booming digital economy, expanding capital markets, and global firms establishing R&D hubs in India, the country offers fertile ground for ambitious graduates who might previously have considered the US as the primary path to career success.
Several US tech giants, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, have reportedly asked their employees to return by September 21 in response to the new visa regulations.
Vembu’s message adds a personal and historical perspective, urging professionals to view the situation as an opportunity rather than a setback.
In a post on X, Vembu drew a parallel between the current visa situation and the Partition of India. He referenced stories of his Sindhi friends whose families had to leave everything behind but eventually rebuilt their lives successfully in India.
I have heard so many accounts from Sindhi friends about how their families had to leave everything and come to India during partition. They rebuilt their lives and Sindhis have done well in India.
— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) September 21, 2025
I am sad to say this, but for Indians on an H1-B visa in America, this may be that…
“I am sad to say this, but for Indians on an H1-B visa in America, this may be that time. Come back home. It may take 5 years to rebuild your lives but it will make you stronger. Do not live in fear. Make the bold move. You will do well,” he said.
Vembu, who himself returned to India after working in the US to build Zoho into a global SaaS company, highlighted the opportunities available in India today. He emphasized that India now offers multiple avenues for growth that were not as accessible in the past.
Implications for India’s tech ecosystemThe H-1B fee hike could trigger a reverse migration of skilled Indian professionals, potentially strengthening the domestic technology and start-up sectors. With a booming digital economy, expanding capital markets, and global firms establishing R&D hubs in India, the country offers fertile ground for ambitious graduates who might previously have considered the US as the primary path to career success.
Several US tech giants, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, have reportedly asked their employees to return by September 21 in response to the new visa regulations.
Vembu’s message adds a personal and historical perspective, urging professionals to view the situation as an opportunity rather than a setback.
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