US H-1B visa fee sparks travel chaos across UAE and India

PANIC BOOKINGS AND CANCELLATIONS OVER FEAR OF $100,000 'ENTRY FEE'

- BY DHANUSHA GOKULAN

Travel companies across the UAE are grappling with a wave of cancellations and panic bookings after the Donald Trump's administration in the US announced changes to requirements for the highly coveted H-1B visas.

Travel agents in the UAE, India, and other nations reported immediate disruption to US outbound and inbound travel from the region.

Over the weekend, several passengers departing from airports in the US chose to deboard from the aircraft shortly before departure, fearing they might be barred from returning to the US without paying the $100,000 “entry fee”.

The proclamation, signed after markets closed on Friday evening, requires a payment of $100,000 to supplement H-1B petitions for new applications, effective from September 21 for 12 months. While the rule applies prospectively and won't impact existing visa holders, the announcement has created widespread uncertainty among travellers.

Group cancellation