India will raise the issue of the proposed increase of visa fees with U.S. President Barack Obama during his visit in November, Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur said today.
“India has already conveyed its concern to the U.S. and the Prime Minister will also take up this matter with President Barack Obama during his visit in November to India,” Ms. Kaur told journalists here.
“Let's be hopeful that some positive [result] will come after deliberations between two head of states,” the Minister added.
The hike in the H-1B and L-1 visa fees to fund new measures would result in Indian IT companies having to shell out up to $250 million annually on visa costs, industry experts have said. And there is resentment among the firms over the issue.
Asked about concerns voiced by countries, including New Zealand, regarding participation in the Commonwealth Games, she said: “When it is a high-profile event, the threat perception is always there and it is better to be alert. We will provide fool-proof security to all the players and officials.”
Asked about Punjab police's claim that Sikh militants were using Malaysia as their base to launch terror strikes on India or to hamper the Commonwealth Games, she said she had no information about it and would make inquiries.
