'It’s time, make the bold move': Sridhar Vembu tells Indian techies what to do after Trump’s H-1B visa shock

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has advised Indian professionals to consider returning to India in light of the new visa rules. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Vembu drew a parallel with the Partition of India, sharing stories of Sindhi families who rebuilt their lives after leaving everything behind. “I am sad to say this, but for Indians on an H1-B visa in America, this may be that time. 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,” Vembu wrote.

Sridhar Vembu on H-1b Visa

Vembu, who himself worked in the US before returning to India to build Zoho into a global SaaS company, said the current visa turmoil could become a turning point for Indian talent. He added that India today offers multiple opportunities and those willing to take the leap will ultimately benefit.

In another social media post, Vembu said the stakes for India are even higher. "Given the 23 million babies born per year in India vs 9 million in China and 3.6 million in America, it is vital that India invest in *every* sector, if we want to create a decent life for *all* our people. Stated another way, the demographics also allows us to dedicate smart people to lead in every area. Given our sheer size, we cannot assume we can trade our way to prosperity, as small nations can do. We have to make and invent our way to prosperity."


In a surprise move, the US government recently announced a sharp increase in H-1B visa fees, requiring companies recruiting foreign professionals to pay $1,00,000 per application. Following the announcement, tech giants including Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta asked employees on H-1B visas to return to the US by September 21.

H-1B impact on India’s tech ecosystem

The increase in visa fees could drive reverse migration of skilled professionals, potentially strengthening India’s domestic tech and startup ecosystem. With a growing digital economy, expanding capital markets, and global companies establishing R&D hubs, India in 2025 provides fertile ground for ambitious graduates who may have once considered the US their primary career destination.