Washington: Soon after US President Donald Trump announced a steep $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, the Indian Embassy in Washington issued an emergency helpline number for nationals seeking immediate assistance, underlining the growing concern among Indian professionals in America.

"Indian nationals seeking emergency assistance may call cell number +1-202-550-9931 (and WhatsApp). This number should be used only by Indian nationals seeking immediate emergency assistance and not for routine consular queries," the Embassy said in a post on X.

The Indian government has also instructed all its Missions and Posts to extend every possible assistance to nationals scheduled to return to the United States within the next 24 hours.

Who will be affected by the new fee?

Concerns are particularly high given that nearly 71 per cent of all H-1B visas are granted to Indian citizens, and the measure could impact both professionals and the flow of remittances.

However, a senior US administration official attempted to ease tensions, clarifying that the $100,000 charge would not apply universally.

According to reports, the White House confirmed, "This is a one-time fee that applies only to the petition. It only applies to new visas, not renewals or current visa holders. It will first apply in the upcoming lottery cycle."

What is India’s official stance?

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acknowledged the development, stating that it is closely studying the implications of the drastic change to the visa programme.

"The Government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H-1B visa programme. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H-1B programme," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Jaiswal further warned that the issue could extend beyond economics.

"The full implications are being studied by all concerned, including the Indian industry, and the measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families," he added.