Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu encourages Indians on H-1B visas to return home, rebuild careers, and seize new tech opportunities after the recent $100,000 US visa fee hike. Full analysis at quickjobalert.in.
H-1B Visa Fee Hike: Zoho Founder Sridhar Vembu Urges Indian Techies to Return Home & Rebuild Careers
The entire Indian technology and IT industry was thrown into shock after US President Donald Trump announced a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa application. In response, leading tech giants—Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and more—have advised employees to return to the US by September 21, 2025. Amidst this turmoil, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has urged Indian techies on H-1B visas to consider returning home boldly and rebuilding their futures in India, emphasizing genuine opportunity, resilience, and optimism. quickjobalert.in
Sridhar Vembu’s Call for Bold Moves
Vembu—himself a US-returned founder who built Zoho into a global SaaS leader—posted on social media that this visa crisis may echo the circumstances of the Indian Partition. He recalled how families, forced by history to start over in India, later achieved vibrant success. For H-1B visa holders facing uncertainty and financial strain, Vembu’s message is clear:
“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 noted that despite temporary difficulties, those willing to take this leap will ultimately be better for it, drawing parallels to the resilience shown by earlier generations who turned adversity into opportunity. quickjobalert.in
Why Indian Techies Should Consider Returning Home
India’s 2025 digital economy presents a vastly different environment than in the past:
- Booming Startup Ecosystem: India’s technology and SaaS startups continue to attract global capital and talent, offering vibrant opportunities to returning professionals.
- Expanding Capital Markets and R&D Hubs: Global companies are setting up research, innovation, and product development centers in India.
- Reverse Migration Could Spark Growth: The visa fee hike may accelerate the return of high-skilled talent, strengthening the domestic tech and startup ecosystem and driving new products, services, and job creation across sectors.
What It Means for Indian Professionals
Sridhar Vembu’s message emphasizes adapting boldly instead of living in uncertainty. Indian professionals, especially those with US experience and global skills, can leverage:
- Ambitious Local Careers: India’s tech landscape now supports impactful roles, leadership opportunities, and advanced R&D.
- Fertile Ground for Growth: Entrepreneurs and professionals can thrive by building for both the Indian and global markets.
- Social Inspiration: Today’s reverse migration could inspire innovation and leadership, echoing stories of success following past adversity.
Expert Advice & Future Outlook
While this visa shift may pose short-term challenges, it represents a pivotal moment for India’s technology sector. Professionals open to returning—armed with international experience—can help India achieve new heights, provided there’s robust support from domestic policy, capital, and industry leaders.