San Francisco, September 21, 2025 (Agencies): Chaos erupted at San Francisco International Airport after the U.S. government abruptly announced a new $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applications, sending shockwaves through the Indian tech community. The announcement led to dramatic scenes on board an Emirates flight to India, where several Indian passengers disembarked after receiving urgent calls from their employers advising them not to leave the United States.
The flight, bound for India, was delayed for nearly three hours as ground staff managed the sudden exodus of passengers. Witnesses said confusion spread quickly among Indian H-1B visa holders on board, many fearing they would be unable to re-enter the U.S. without paying the steep new fee.
According to early reports, most of those who left the plane were working professionals in the tech sector. Social media videos from the airport showed frantic conversations and heated discussions, reflecting the uncertainty created by the new visa policy.
Officials clarified that the $100,000 fee applies primarily to new H-1B applications, but ambiguity remains over whether existing visa holders or those renewing their status would also be affected. The lack of clarity has left both companies and employees scrambling for answers.
U.S. tech firms reportedly advised their foreign employees to suspend international travel until further guidance is issued. Travel agents and airlines also confirmed that ticket prices between India and the U.S. surged shortly after the announcement, as passengers rushed to secure flights.
Observers say the incident highlights how sudden immigration policy changes can cause immediate disruption, not only to businesses but also to the daily lives of skilled foreign workers. The move has already sparked debate over its potential impact on America’s technology sector, which heavily relies on Indian professionals under the H-1B visa program.
Emirates has not yet issued a formal statement on the incident, while U.S. authorities are expected to clarify the implementation of the new policy in the coming days.