HR Policy Global perspective: The Asia Pacific region is poised to experience substantial impacts from forthcoming changes. Between 2020 and 2023, the region accounted for 95% of all visas, predominantly led by India and China, with smaller shares allocated to Taiwan, South Korea, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.
The IT sector receives the largest portion of these visa allocations, and the long-term implications of these changes remain uncertain. Firms heavily reliant on H-1B visas for client site work may instead accelerate local hiring in home countries, or expand their offshore teams and remote delivery models.
The Bigger Picture
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has expressed concern over the U.S. Administration’s recent decision to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, effective immediately. The government is particularly worried about the impact on families of H-1B visa holders, instructing Indian Missions to assist affected nationals and highlighting potential humanitarian issues due to disruptions.
Emphasizing the importance of bilateral consultation, India notes that both countries benefit from talent mobility, which drives innovation and strengthens people-to-people ties. Industry bodies like Nasscom have also raised alarms about potential disruptions to IT projects. Stock prices for Indian IT sector companies have been affected as they review the impact on fixed cost contracts.
Prime Minister Modi has not specifically commented on the change. However, the media has highlighted his recent Independence Day comments on “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India), advocating for reducing dependence on other countries by investing in sectors like chip manufacturing and shipbuilding. His comments suggest a strategic shift towards building internal strength, positioning India’s response as focused on enhancing domestic capabilities rather than external reliance.
Actions for Employers
- The CHRO Association is actively focused on this significant labor change and members should refer to the recent summary.
- Employers must take immediate steps to understand the impact on employees (and families) with H-1B visa applications ‘in process’.
- While current visa holders are not affected, employers should stay connected with existing visa holders and family members to address concerns.

Michelle Swinden
Executive Director, Asia-Pacific, HR Policy Global
Contact Michelle Swinden LinkedIn