Poor, middle-class, wealthy — more Indians than ever before are leaving the country

Context: The Indian government has been facing issues related to the migration of its citizens, particularly to the United States, as desperate Indians seek better livelihoods and opportunities abroad.

Background:

India has a significant diaspora, with over 29 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) residing outside the country. The Indian diaspora is the world's largest overseas diaspora, and every year, around 2.5 million Indians migrate overseas, making it the highest annual number of migrants in the world. From November 2022 to September 2023, up to 96,917 Indians were arrested while crossing illegally into the US alone. This highlights the growing number of Indians leaving the country in search of decent livelihoods.

Reasons for Indians Leaving the Country:

   The reasons for Indians leaving the country are multifaceted and include:

• The main issue is the perceived favoritism in government jobs for those who pay money or are well-connected, leading to frustration among those who cannot afford it.

• Lack of well-paying private jobs in India.
• Difficulty in securing government jobs without financial means or connections.
• Wealthy individuals seeking better opportunities and acquiring foreign citizenship through investment programs.
• Rising demand for school education that enables admission overseas, indicating the middle class's desire to leave India.
• Fear of harassment by government agencies, particularly among the wealthy.

What Needs to Be Done:

   To address the out-migration of Indians, several measures can be considered, such as:

   - Creating more well-paying private job opportunities in India.

   - Reforms in the government job recruitment process to ensure transparency and equal opportunities.

   - Providing a conducive environment for investment and business growth to retain wealthy individuals.

   - Improving the overall quality of life, safety, and opportunities in India to reduce the desire to migrate.

The Indian government has responded to the issue of Indians leaving the country through various measures and initiatives. These include:

• Strengthening Online Mechanisms: The government has strengthened its online mechanism to address the problems faced by the Indian diaspora in foreign countries
• Emphasizing the Need for Improved Living Conditions and Opportunities: Experts have highlighted the need for India to create more opportunities and focus on improving living conditions and education to prevent migration. They have emphasized that a large number of Indians are giving up their citizenship, and the pursuit of economic gains, better quality of life, and lower tax rates in other countries are some of the reasons for migration
• Recognizing the Significance of the Indian Diaspora: The Indian government has recognized the significance of the Indian diaspora in enhancing India's soft power, economic contribution through remittances, and the role of the diaspora in bridging the gap between India and other countries

Conclusion:

 The article underscores the need for India to address the factors driving its citizens to leave the country and to create an environment that encourages them to stay and contribute to the nation's growth and development. Additionally, recognizing the Indian diaspora as an asset and creating policies to engage and benefit from their knowledge and expertise can contribute to India's national development.

SOURCE: IE