Why Are Indians Leaving India?

Exploring the economic, social, and political factors compelling Indians to seek a future abroad.

THOSE INDIANS who can are increasingly leaving India to settle abroad.

The phenomenon of Indians emigrating and renouncing their citizenship has garnered significant attention in recent years. Data from the Ministry of External Affairs indicates a rising trend: 1,63,370 individuals renounced their Indian citizenship in 2021; this number increased to 2,25,620 in 2022 but slightly decreased to 2,16,219 in 2023.

Every year, 2.5 million Indians migrate overseas, making it the highest annual number of migrants from any country. Many of these individuals are also renouncing Indian citizenship.

Many even migrate illegally, as portrayed in the Hindi film Dunki (starring Shah Rukh Khan and Taapsee Pannu). However, the film’s depiction of many willingly returning to India seems unrealistic.

Why are Indians leaving (if they can)? Many reasons have been suggested, but I will share my perspective:

Economic Challenges

Most people migrate in pursuit of better economic opportunities. In India, unemployment is at a record high and continues to rise. It is estimated that 12 million youth enter the job market in India every year, but fewer than half a million jobs are created annually in the organized sector.

So where do the remaining 11.5 million end up? Many become hawkers, street vendors, stringers, bouncers, criminals, beggars, or suicides. Tragically, many young women are pushed into prostitution.

When a single Class 4 (peon’s) job is advertised by the government, thousands of applications pour in—many from Ph.D., M.Sc., MBA, or engineering degree holders, all desperate for a “chaprasi’s” job.

Why should one remain in a country where the future appears bleak, both for oneself and one’s children?

Youth unemployment remains a critical issue. In 2023, the estimated youth unemployment rate stood at 15.79%. Additionally, in 2022, unemployment among youths with secondary or higher education was six times higher (18.4%) and nine times higher among graduates (29.1%) than for those who could not read or write (3.4%).

This acute scarcity of suitable employment drives many to seek opportunities abroad.

Concerns of Businessmen and Professionals

Businessmen and professionals, too, feel unsafe in a country whose economy has stagnated. Politicians, often described as unpatriotic, corrupt, and power-hungry, seem to lack both love for the country and a vision to restore the economy. Consequently, India’s future seems dark and turbulent to many.

Quality of Life Issues

Beyond employment, factors such as environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, and the high cost of living also influence decisions to emigrate.

• Severe air and river pollution
• Overcrowded cities with traffic congestion and garbage piles
• Rising prices of food and other essentials
• Rampant corruption

These issues contribute to a diminished quality of life, prompting many to leave.

Political Environment

The political landscape also plays a significant role. Critics argue that economic mismanagement and corruption have eroded confidence in the nation’s direction. For instance, policies such as the 2016 demonetization and the handling of the COVID-19 crisis are often cited as detrimental to economic stability. Such factors contribute to the decision of many to seek stability elsewhere.

Global Opportunities

The global demand for skilled professionals offers attractive opportunities for Indians, especially in countries facing labor shortages. Higher salaries, better living standards, and advanced educational prospects for their children are powerful motivators for emigration.

The Decision to Leave

Why remain in a country plagued by an uncertain political future, a stagnant economy, and increasing societal polarization along caste and communal lines fuelled by crooked politicians who incite and spread hatred?

Add to this the severe pollution, overcrowded cities, traffic jams, skyrocketing prices, and widespread corruption.

It is no wonder that Indians are increasingly migrating abroad.

A combination of economic challenges, quality-of-life concerns, political instability, and global opportunities is driving the growing number of Indians choosing to leave the country and renounce their citizenship.

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