H-1B visa fee: US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation and raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 for employers filing for fresh applications, starting the next lottery cycle. However, the announcement triggered immediate concern among techies and tech giants alike, with Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon instructing employees to return to the US before September 21 at 12:01 AM ET and to remain in the country for the foreseeable future. Soon after, people started deboarding the plane, videos of which are all over social media. 

Indians deboard Emirates flight

According to reports, the video is from San Francisco International Airport, where passengers on an Emirates flight bound for India began disembarking before takeoff.

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Many feared they might be barred from returning to the US without paying the so-called “entry fee”. It’s important to note, however, that there is no entry fee for anyone already holding an H-1B visa.

The footage shows passengers standing in the aisles, with several making their way off the plane. Others can be seen scrolling through their phones, likely checking the news and messaging their employers for guidance.

‘If you wish to offload yourself…’: Crew’s announcement

After the Indians on the flight expressed their desire to deboard, the cabin crew addressed the situation with an announcement.

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“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s the cabin speaking,” the announcement began. 

It added, “Due to the current circumstances, obviously, which are unprecedented for us here at Emirates, we are aware that a number of passengers do not wish to travel with us, and that’s perfectly fine.”

The cabin further instructed the passengers to deboard the plane if they didn’t wish to travel. “All we ask is that if you wish to offload yourself, you do so now.”

As per a report by HT, the Emirates flight was delayed for over three hours as ground staff managed the chaotic disembarkation process.