New Delhi, Sept. 21 -- Former senior diplomat Mahesh Sachdev criticised the US administration's sudden decision to raise the H-1B visa sponsorship fee to USD 100,000, saying the move was rushed and continues to hamper the free flow of Indian professionals despite partial modifications.

"After having suddenly escalated this issue, giving less than 24 hours practically speaking, over the weekend notice for stakeholders affected by this drastic move, they are trying to put toothpaste back in the tube," Sachdev said.

He added that American employers of H-1B personnel likely pushed back against the initial order, forcing the administration to limit its scope. "The American employers of H1B personnel would have strongly demonstrated to the ad...