Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) [India], September 20 (ANI): BJD Vice President Prasanna Acharya on Saturday strongly criticised the US government's decision to impose a USD 100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, saying that it is President Trump 'bullying' and India will not tolerate it.

Speaking to ANI, Acharya further said America has a 'daily agenda to harass' India and Indians from every angle.

He said, 'It will definitely affect (the bilateral relations between India and the US). President Trump has implemented all restrictions on India. Despite this, Trump, in his daily speeches, kept saying that they have the best relationship with India and PM Modi... Is this pointing towards the best relationship? They are increasing tariffs, trying to finish the Indian market in the US, and putting restrictions on visas. So, is this a signal of friendship or enmity?...'

'America has a daily agenda to harass India or Indians from every angle. We will decide where to get oil and where not to; we are a democratic, independent country. We will not submit to anyone. This is Trump's bullying, and it cannot be tolerated...'

Earlier today, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate launched a scathing attack on the Centre over the US government's decision to impose a USD 100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, calling it a 'huge blow' for India.

Expressing concerns, Shrinate highlighted that this move will negatively impact remittances in India.

'...This is a huge blow to India. It is a huge blow to our young people, especially juniors and fresh graduates...We will be deprived of US innovation and production. This will also reduce remittances,' the Congress leader told ANI.

These remarks came after US President Donald Trump's new presidential proclamation titled 'Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers', imposing a USD 100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications. The measure, effective from September 21, aims to combat what the administration calls widespread abuse of the H-1B programme, particularly by IT outsourcing firms accused of displacing American workers and suppressing wages.

The proclamation argues that the original purpose of H-1B, to bring in highly skilled foreign talent, has been distorted, with the administration claiming that low-wage, entry-level H-1B hires have harmed American graduates and also highlights national security concerns, pointing to investigations into visa fraud and money laundering involving companies that rely heavily on the programme.

As per the order, employers must now provide proof of payment when filing H-1B petitions, with enforcement overseen by the US Departments of State and Homeland Security. Limited exemptions are available for cases deemed in the national interest.

This rise in Visa costs is likely to hit the tech cost arbitrage model where Indian software engineers and other talent were working onsite in the US, but could see the rise of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India. (ANI)