The recent decision by US President Donald Trump to sharply raise H-1B visa fees has created shockwaves across the technology and IT sectors. The fee for each application has now been set at $100,000, putting heavy pressure on companies that rely on foreign professionals.

Indians, who make up over 70% of H-1B visa holders, are among the most affected by this move. Many professionals are now anxious about their future in the United States.

Dr. Sridhar Vembu, Founder and Chief Scientist of Zoho Corporation, urged Indian tech workers in the US to consider returning home.

In a post on X, he compared the visa crisis to the Partition of India, recalling how Sindhi families were forced to leave everything behind but managed to rebuild their lives 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,” wrote Vembu.

Vembu, an IIT Madras graduate with a Ph.D. from Princeton University, had also once worked in the US before returning to India. He went on to build Zoho Corp, a company that shifted software and product development to rural India.

Today, Vembu is among India’s richest entrepreneurs. Forbes listed him as the 39th richest Indian in 2024 with a net worth of $5.85 billion. He was also honoured with the Padma Shri in 2021.

Vembu believes that the visa fee hike could serve as a turning point for Indian professionals. With India’s digital economy growing fast, capital markets expanding, and global tech firms setting up R&D centres, he sees the country as a strong base for ambitious talent.

“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. 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,” Vembu said.

Vembu’s post drew varied reactions on social media. One user responded, “You may hear the same stories from Bengalis and Punjabis. But it took almost 3 generations to reach where they are now. It’s not easy. And it’s not as bad either.”

Another comment supported his view, saying, “Absolutely! Challenges like this are never easy, but they can be the start of something bigger. Coming back home may take effort to rebuild, but India is full of opportunities for talent and hard work. The world is led by optimistic people. With courage and perseverance, they will thrive and create an even stronger future.”