Why Indians Want to Move Abroad & Should They?— This Survey Explains It All

There’s a song in the movie DDLJ, that went like ‘ghar aaja pardesi’ (crudely put “come back home, NRI”). There needs to be a “ban ja padresi” song instead considering the volume of people who want to leave > NRIs!.

Being in the NRI business, Indians often ask me, “Why would ANYone want to leave the luxury of America and move back to India?”. Moving abroad is a pounce-on-it choice. Poll any MNC office going Indian and they’ll tell you, “Heh, EVERYONE in my office is in line to move abroad”. FAANG companies in India see a churn after 1 year anniversaries. Young Indian graduates are jealous of friends “Going for MS in US”. Slightly older Indians have FOMO — “My classmate just bought a house in New Jersey! And look at me”.

One lazy 3:30 pm at the office, an odd request came from a colleague. “Nupur, can you write about why I should NOT go to the US. I’ll feel better”. Tough one! I usually tell Indians to “GO FOR IT!”. This guy? He’s been FOMOing about moving to the US, because all his friends have moved there. He’s confused. My Family or My Future?

Curious to understand the demography more, I sent out a survey to feel the pulse of what Indians feel about leaving India– 300 people responded. Here are some insights into the minds of Indians.

All surveys come with a fine print — my audience leans toward techies, so take these conclusions with a pinch of techie salt.

How many Indians want to move abroad?