Many Indians have settled abroad, attracted by better career prospects and financial security. Popular destinations include Canada, Singapore, and the UK which offer avenues for professional growth and education. While these countries provide opportunities, many NRIs face challenges like cultural adjustment, homesickness, and being away from loved ones. Despite this, some decide to make their new country home. A Reddit user in the UK asked fellow NRIs why they have not returned to India. "We've seen threads where people have outlined what they miss about India when living abroad – conveniences, house help, family, festivals, cheaper cost of living, and more. These are true for the most part. So for those who've settled abroad – what's stopping you from returning?" the post read.
The user cited good infrastructure, a better work-life balance, a judgement-free society, and low crime rates as reasons for staying in the UK. The post sparked varied responses, with some NRIs admitting their primary reason for staying abroad is financial gain. Others highlighted India's infrastructure problems, such as unreliable public transport and utilities, and compared the civic behaviour of Indians with the more considerate attitudes they observe abroad.
One user wrote, ''Clean Air, Water, Food. Less corruption. Even though we pay taxes it is benefiting our lives. Population with Civic sense. Working government. Better work culture. Higher standard of living. People don't interfere in others' life.''
Another commented, ''I guess there are many reasons why people don't want to return back, including pollution, infrastructure, work-life balance, and tax returns. Family is the significant reason why many people come back.''
A third said, ''I was on an Indian women subreddit and a woman posted that she was shouted at a swimming pool in India by another woman because she was wearing a 2 piece. And here in Canada, everyone's wearing whatever they want to at a swimming pool regardless of your body shape.''
However some Reddit users also expressed a desire to return to India, citing cultural ties, family connections, and a sense of belonging.