Zoho Corporation founder Sridhar Vembu has sparked controversy with his moving counsel to Indian professionals over H-1B visas in the US. Amid the recent $100,000 cost increase for new applications, Mr. Vembu asked Indian tech workers with H-1B visas to think about going back to India in a post on X. Similar to the Sindhi community that flourished in India following the split, he thinks this could be a chance for Indians to start over and rebuild their lives and professions in their homeland.

“My Sindhi friends have told me several stories about how, during the partition, their family were forced to flee their homes and travel to India. Their lives were restored, and Sindhis have prospered in India. Unfortunately, this might be the moment for Indians in the United States on an H1-B visa. Return home. Rebuilding your life may take five years, but the experience will fortify you. Don’t live in terror. Take the risky step. “You’ll succeed,” his tweet said.

Reactions to Mr. Vembu’s post were divided. “Spreading fear without knowing the facts,” one person remarked. Those who currently hold an H1-B visa are exempt from the new regulations, so they need not fear. Only new H1-B applicants are subject to the new regulations.

“You might hear the same stories from Punjabis and Bengalis,” said another commenter. However, it took nearly three generations to get to their current position. It’s not simple. It’s also not as horrible.”

“The situation of refugees during the 1947 partition and some people on H1B returning home after their visa expires or otherwise cannot be compared,” a third person stated. 1947 Refugees endured hardships, rapes, violence, murder, and loot. They didn’t have a roof over their heads or anything to eat.

A fourth said, “Yes, absolutely!” in agreement with Mr. Vembu’s remarks. Although difficulties like this are never simple, they may mark the beginning of something more significant. Rebuilding may require work after returning home, but India offers plenty of chances for talent and diligence. Optimistic people lead the world. They will prosper and forge an even more robust future if they have the bravery and tenacity.”

Notably, US businesses can sponsor foreign workers with specialized talents in industries like technology, engineering, and finance to work in the US through the H-1B visa program. The original duration of these visas is three years, with the possibility of a six-year extension. The United States grants 85,000 H-1B visas annually, of which 65,000 are granted to general applicants and 20,000 are set aside for those who have earned advanced degrees from US universities. About 70–72 percent of people who receive H-1B visas are Indian.