New Delhi: Even as concerns rise globally that H-1B visa rules may tighten under the administration of US President Donald Trump, a senior technology leader has publicly voiced strong support for Indian tech professionals.
Shahriyar Tajbakhsh, the CTO and co-founder of the US-based and London-headquartered tech company Metaview AI, has stated unequivocally that no increase in visa fees will dissuade his company from hiring skilled Indian talent.
The debate intensified on social media platform X, where a suggestion surfaced that the annual H-1B visa fee should be increased to USD 100,000 (approximately ₹90 lakh). Responding sharply yet humorously, Tajbakhsh wrote, “Make it USD 100k per day and I’ll set up automatic payments.” His remark underscored his position that the value skilled employees bring to a company far outweighs visa-related expenses.
Despite a growing wave of anti-H-1B sentiment in sections of the United States, Metaview AI continues to aggressively recruit engineers from India. The company has been circulating posters that read, “Yes, we still sponsor H-1B visas,” setting itself apart in an industry where several firms hesitate to take on visa sponsorship obligations.
This support comes at a time when H-1B demand has fallen sharply. Data shows that applications for the 2025 cycle are down by nearly 54 percent compared to last year, driven partly by economic uncertainty and partly by fears of tighter US immigration regulations.
Tajbakhsh, an Iranian-origin technologist, emphasised in an interview with Business Insider that exceptional talent is non-negotiable for building world-class tech products. “When you look at the value generated by the hard work of skilled employees, USD 100,000 is nothing.
If you want to build something that changes people’s lives, you need a world-class team. Trying to save money on talent is the most irresponsible thing a founder can do,” he said.
He also clarified that the company is unconcerned about Trump’s new executive order tightening visa protocols. According to him, debates around visa costs are “unnecessary distractions,” and Metaview AI intends to submit even more applications in the upcoming H-1B lottery. “A company’s success or failure depends on its people,” he asserted.
Amid policy uncertainty and political shifts in the US, Tajbakhsh’s remarks have offered a rare note of assurance to Indian tech workers hoping to build careers abroad.
Also Read: Tention in Belagavi Boarder: Karnataka suspends bus services to Maharashtra
