In a recent immigration crackdown, three Indian tech professionals had their H-1B visas revoked at Abu Dhabi International Airport. One person was from Bengaluru, and two were from Hyderabad. All three had stayed in India longer than allowed, triggering a visa violation.
Despite showing employer letters and documents to justify their delay, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) still denied entry. Their visas were cancelled on the spot.
US Immigration Catches Violation Before Takeoff
Abu Dhabi Airport hosts a US CBP Preclearance facility, where travelers pass immigration checks before boarding US-bound flights. That’s where things took a turn.
The affected travelers were stopped, questioned, and told they overstayed in India by over 60 days. One of them posted online:
“Visa revoked and entry denied… even after showing emergency proof.”
Why Long Trips Can Cost You an H-1B Visa
H-1B visa holders must not stay outside the US for more than 60 straight days unless there’s a valid reason. While employers can issue support letters, US officers have the final say.
These travelers were sent back under immigration rule 41.122(h)(3). Experts now urge H-1B holders to limit international visits to 30–40 days to avoid similar issues.
Internet Reacts: Sympathy, But Also a Reminder
The news caused a buzz on social media. Many sympathized with the travelers, especially those who left for emergencies.
But others pointed out that H-1B is a privilege, not a right. “Rules are rules,” one user commented. “Even genuine cases must follow the law.”
Still, some criticized the system for being too rigid during personal emergencies, though they agreed on one point—awareness is key.
