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Paris: High-skilled migrants remain a cornerstone of the US economy, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has warned, even as Washington’s decision to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas triggers alarm in the tech sector.
OECD Raises Growth Forecasts But Flags Risks
OECD’s latest outlook upgraded global growth to 3.2 percent for 2025, up from 2.9 percent projected in June, citing resilience in the first half of the year as companies rushed to import goods before US tariffs took effect. The US growth outlook was also raised from 1.6 percent to 1.8 percent, though the Paris-based body cautioned that Trump’s tariff hikes, immigration curbs, and federal workforce cuts could slow momentum.
Economist Stresses Role of Skilled Migration
Alvaro Pereira, OECD’s outgoing chief economist, told AFP that “continuing to attract high-skilled individuals from around the world is a key strength of the US economy.” He noted that labour shortages in ICT (information and communication technology) are already straining the sector, and the rise of artificial intelligence will intensify demand. Indian nationals account for nearly three-quarters of H-1B visas issued annually, making them particularly affected by the new fee rule.
Tariff Shock Still Unfolding
According to the OECD, the immediate impact of tariffs has been softened by firms “front-loading” imports ahead of deadlines. Pereira warned, however, that “less growth and more inflation” are emerging signs of strain, adding: “When the world economy is doing really well, it grows around four percent — we are far away from that.”
