Berlin, Germany: Germany is actively seeking to attract Indian professionals as uncertainty looms over the United States’ H-1B visa program following a sharp increase in fees by the Trump administration. Philipp Ackermann, the German Ambassador to India, has publicly invited “highly skilled Indians” to consider career opportunities in Germany’s IT, management, science, and technology sectors.
In a message shared on social media platform X on Tuesday, Ackermann emphasised, “I invite all highly skilled Indians to explore Germany. Our country offers stable migration policies and excellent job prospects across IT, management, science, and technology.”
Accompanying the post, a video highlighted that Indians in Germany are among the nation’s top earners. The ambassador noted, “The average Indian professional in Germany earns more than the average German. High salaries reflect their significant contribution to society and the economy. Germany rewards dedication and provides the best roles to the most talented individuals.”
Taking a subtle jab at the unpredictable U.S. immigration framework under President Donald Trump, Ackermann likened Germany’s migration system to German automobiles—reliable, modern, and consistent. “Our migration policy functions like a German car: dependable, contemporary, and predictable. It runs smoothly without sudden disruptions. You won’t face abrupt breakdowns even at high speed,” he said, adding that Germany rarely changes its rules overnight.
Context of H-1B Visa Fee Hike
The ambassador’s remarks come in the wake of the U.S. increasing the H-1B visa fee for skilled workers by nearly 60%, raising it to $100,000 (approximately ₹88 lakh). This rise makes it considerably more expensive for U.S.-based companies to hire foreign professionals for on-site roles.
Indian nationals have historically comprised a dominant share of H-1B visa holders, accounting for over 70% of recipients in recent years. Experts suggest that this fee increase will have a disproportionate impact on Indian professionals seeking work in the United States.
