NEWS: MANY U.S COMPANIES MAY NOW HIRE MORE REMOTE, NEARSHORE WORKERS WITH H1-B VISA FEE INCREASE.

Due to rising costs of foreign worker visa (H-1B) and shifting priorities, many companies in the United States (US) may increasingly turn to remote hiring or nearshore delivery models, reshaping the future of global talent mobility, according to analysts.
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‎This comes on the back of the recent signing of the new executive order by President Donald Trump imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B (foreign worker) visa applications.
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‎The H-1B is a classification of non-immigrant visa in the United States that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in speciality occupations.
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‎The move has sent shockwaves through the global tech industry and raised alarm among foreign workers, including Nigerians and other nationalities, which accounts for a large percentage of H-1B visa recipients.
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‎Several major firms, including Amazon, JP Morgan, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs, have since advised their H-1B employees to avoid international travel amid ongoing uncertainty.
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‎Following widespread confusion, the White House has clarified that the fee is a one-off charge applicable only to new applicants. Current visa holders, including those temporarily outside the US, will not be required to pay the new fee upon re-entry.
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‎“This is not an annual fee,” confirmed Karoline Leavitt, White House spokesperson, “It’s a one-time charge that applies solely to new petitions. Existing H-1B holders abroad will not be charged to return to the US”.
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‎The clarification came after Howard Lutnick, Commerce Secretary, initially suggested the fee might be annual, prompting panic among visa holders and employers.
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‎The US Chamber of Commerce expressed deep concern over the impact on businesses and families, stating it is working closely with the administration to assess the full implications and explore a viable path forward.
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‎President Trump defended the measure as a means to “protect American jobs” and reduce dependency on lower-paid foreign labour. “We need great workers, and this ensures that’s what we’ll get,” he said during the signing ceremony.
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‎Lutnick added, “Companies will now have to pay the government $100,000, then pay the employee. It’s simply not economic to train foreign workers anymore. Train Americans instead”.
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‎Industry analysts suggest the impact may be uneven. Large tech firms are expected to absorb the cost with minimal disruption, while mid-sized and smaller companies could face significant financial strain.
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‎“For big tech, this won’t change the game,” said a senior executive. “Margins might tighten slightly, but operations will continue. The real pressure will be felt by smaller firms.”
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‎He added, “Let’s not forget, American growth has historically been fuelled by immigration. Across sectors, expertise has come from abroad.
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‎Cities must become liveable, and intellectual property must be valued. Otherwise, outrage over reverse brain drain rings hollow.”
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‎The full impact of the executive order is expected to unfold in the coming weeks, particularly during the next H-1B visa lottery round.
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