An Emirates Airlines flight witnessed unexpected drama after several Indian passengers deboarded the plane in protest, following the announcement of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest executive order increasing fees for H-1B visa applications.
The incident took place shortly after boarding was completed, when news broke of the steep hike in H-1B fees aimed at tightening immigration norms for skilled workers, a move seen as directly impacting Indian IT professionals. Many passengers, reportedly traveling to the United States for work, expressed anger and uncertainty over the sudden financial burden and potential risk to their job opportunities.
Eyewitnesses said that some passengers argued with airline staff, insisting they did not want to continue with the journey under the circumstances. Their decision to leave the plane caused a significant delay, forcing the airline to go through security protocols and baggage clearance all over again.
The flight, originally scheduled for departure from Dubai to New York, was delayed by nearly three hours before finally taking off.
Trump’s move has sparked fresh debate in India, with industry experts warning that the fee hike could discourage talent mobility and affect IT companies that heavily rely on sending employees to the U.S. under H-1B visas. The U.S. has long been the largest market for India’s IT services, and this sudden policy shift has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Indian professionals to American political decisions.
The Emirates Airlines incident reflects the growing anxiety among skilled workers and professionals, many of whom are uncertain about the future of their careers abroad.