Jaishankar Backs Global Workforce Amid $100K H-1B Hike
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Jaishankar Backs Global Workforce Amid $100K H-1B Hike
Jaishankar Backs Global Workforce Amid $100K H-1B Hike: In a strong response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to raise the H-1B visa fee to $100,000, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscored the need for an open and collaborative global workforce. Speaking during the UN General Assembly at an Observer Research Foundation (ORF) event titled “At the Heart of Development: Aid, Trade, and Technology,” Jaishankar said the modern economy simply cannot function without the free movement of skilled professionals.
“This is a reality. You can’t escape this reality,” he stated, emphasizing that demographic challenges across nations make global talent exchange indispensable.
Jaishankar Urges Global Workforce Collaboration Amid H-1B Visa Changes
Jaishankar Backs Global Workforce Amid
H-1B Visa: Vital for Indian Professionals
The H-1B visa allows US companies to hire foreign professionals with advanced expertise in fields like technology, engineering, and medicine. Indian professionals form a significant share of these applicants, making the steep fee hike a major concern for both businesses and skilled workers.
Jaishankar acknowledged that while countries may debate where to hire and locate talent, the demand for specialized skills far exceeds national workforce capacities, making international cooperation essential.
Technology, Trade, and Connectivity Reshaping Economies
Jaishankar highlighted how technology, trade, and digital connectivity are transforming global workplaces. Improved roads, shipping networks, and streamlined digital interfaces have made cross-border business easier than ever.
Despite political hurdles, he expressed confidence that trade will continue to find new pathways, with nations forming fresh partnerships and differentiated trade agreements.
Building Self-Reliance and Multipolarity
While advocating for a distributed global workforce, Jaishankar also stressed the need for capacity building and self-reliance, particularly for large economies like India.
“Multipolarity does not come automatically; it must be built by strengthening national capabilities,” he said, underscoring India’s focus on expanding domestic skills and infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
Global Workforce Is Inevitable: No country can meet future labor demands solely through national demographics.
H-1B Hike Affects Talent Mobility: The $100,000 fee could limit opportunities for skilled Indian professionals.
Trade Will Adapt: New, innovative trade partnerships are emerging despite uncertainties.
Technology Drives Change: Rapid advances in digital infrastructure are creating a dynamic, borderless workplace.
Conclusion
Jaishankar’s remarks serve as a timely reminder that global economic growth depends on open talent mobility. As countries navigate political debates and policy shifts like the US H-1B fee hike, building a modern, efficient, and inclusive model for a global workforce will be essential to sustaining development and innovation worldwide.
