For many Indians living abroad, the idea of returning home is filled with emotion. There is pride, nostalgia, and a strong desire to reconnect with family and roots. Yet, for a growing number of NRIs, returning to India has become far more complicated than leaving it in the first place.
Ravi’s (name changed) story is one that many Indians living abroad quietly relate to. When he moved to the United States years ago, the process felt almost effortless. An internal company transfer came through, the paperwork followed, and all he had to do was say yes. He and his wife were young, without a house, without heavy financial ties, and without children. The company handled most of the logistics. The excitement of working overseas made everything else feel small.
Today, Ravi wants to return to India. Yet, this time, the decision is anything but easy.
Leaving India was the easy part, moving back is hard
“Seems an irony. When I moved to the US, I was lucky to get an internal company transfer. All I needed to do was to say yes. Sure, the logistics still had to be handled. But we were just a young couple. Didn’t own a home and didn’t have many assets. The company took care of everything. Even though the US was not our home country, it still seemed easier to move to the US,” Ravi shared.
But now that he wants to move back, all he can think about is his child’s education and the company’s transfer process, which has become far more complicated. Approval depends on business needs, available roles, and whether managers agree. “Now I keep planning for a return to India, and honestly am kind of desperate to do so. But it is just so damn complicated. Have to figure out our kids’ education. Have to time it properly. Even the internal company move is not that straightforward now. I can only hope my bosses will agree to my moving to the India offices,” Ravi shared.
Over the years, Ravi built a life in the US. A house, financial accounts, vehicles, long-term plans. Unwinding all of this feels overwhelming. Each decision connects to another, and nothing feels simple anymore.
Back in India, the challenge is different. His family lives in small towns. Setting up life again means choosing a city, starting fresh, and building support systems from scratch. Even deciding where to settle feels unresolved. “No one lives in major cities. At this point, even which city to go to is an open question(though I am strongly feeling HYD is the ideal destination). Sure, we have some dollars now to throw around, but still it feels like something too hard to go through,” he said.
Why are NRIs hesitant to return
Research on NRIs planning to return shows that this is not uncommon. Many want to come back but postpone the decision year after year. Concerns about children’s education, career uncertainty, healthcare, and lifestyle adjustments remain the biggest hurdles.
A major study conducted by Nupur Dave, surveying more than 500 NRIs and 90 Indians who have already returned, shows that NRIs are overwhelmingly confused about moving back. More than half of those surveyed said they were unsure if they wanted to return. Only about 30% expressed a definite interest, but even then, intent doesn’t always translate into action.
Money is the biggest factor holding them back. Job opportunities, salaries, and infrastructure are top concerns. NRIs moving back often expect high salaries, sometimes around one crore INR ($150,000), but are frequently met with setbacks at home. A survey by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) suggests that a significant majority of NRIs, approximately 90%, would feel more secure returning if India allowed dual citizenship. Currently, the lack of a “safety net” (losing foreign residency or passport) keeps many abroad.