Best countries to migrate from India

For years now, Indians have dreamt and continue to dream of going abroad in search of greener pastures. Stories of Indians migrating to foreign shores in the post-Industrial Revolution era start to surface from roughly the middle of the 19^th century onwards. While labourers, traders and blue-collar workers made the journey to wherever there was a development boom or a specific kind of growing industry, such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Southern and Eastern Africa, and the Caribbean islands, the educated professional was still a relatively rare presence outside India till quite a while after India’s independence from British rule in 1947. The few who ventured out to try their luck, as entrepreneurs and upon receipt of offers to study based mainly on extraordinary proficiency, were mostly confined to the UK and the USA, both of which continue to be acknowledged as being among the best countries for Indian immigrants.

From the 1960s onwards to the early ‘90s, the UK and the US continued to dominate in terms of numbers but countries like Australia and Canada witnessed increasing immigration, partly because they worked towards easing the entry of skilled professionals and partly because rewarding work and research opportunities in certain specific domains were not easily available in India.

The liberalization of the Indian economy and the unparalleled growth of the Information Technology (IT) sector in the 1990s not only led to a manifold increase in salaries, but also provided opportunities for Indians to travel overseas.  

Recently, global recession and a few visa processing issues, and most recently Covid-19 have led to a slight drop in numbers emigrating, especially of students. However, today’s Indian millennial, armed with a wide array of choices and the means to act on them, definitely wants a better standard of living – and if that standard is perceived to lie outside the country, then travelling abroad is no longer seen as the mountain to climb as it once may have been.

Dreams of immigration are also fueled when Indian international students get a taste of what life is like in foreign countries. Universities in the USA, the UK, Canada and others, introduce youngsters to an array of opportunities and also equip them with the necessary skills to be eligible for them.

Looking for the best countries to migrate to? Factors to consider before migrating

Most immigrant dreams revolve around higher pay, easier access to essential services and a greater standard of living overall. While these will almost always be common features of any set of expectations, it is important not to lose sight of a few particulars:

1. Why are you migrating or looking to migrate?
2. Have you double-checked that the benefit you desire from immigration is actually available on the ground level in your favoured destination?
3. If you have a family who plans to move with you, how will the move affect their lives?
4. Do the positives of settling down abroad clearly outweigh the negatives of continuing to live in your home country?

In the context of this background and with the growth of the Indian economy, which are the best countries to immigrate from India? What do these countries have to offer Indian immigrants? Let us take a closer look at some of the favoured migration destinations for Indians, in no particular order, based on current trends, statistics and surveys.

Canada: One of the best countries to migrate from India

What’s attractive about Canada?

There can’t be too much doubt about Canada being among the foremost destinations that Indians have started to migrate to, in large numbers. Immigrants to Canada can look forward to a high standard of living, social security and safety, free healthcare and stunning natural beauty, among other incentives to move there. The presence of a large and growing Indian diaspora, nearly three-million strong, will surely go a long way in helping Indians settle in and adjust quickly to their potential new home.

Route to residency

Canada’s flexible policies on obtaining visas, work permits and permanent residence and a concerted effort to reduce paperwork, combined with high-quality education and a thriving job market, all make it a highly attractive destination, more so because the country is willing to open its borders to skilled workers in various fields. There are various programs to ease immigration, such as Express Entry, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (similar to the points-based Express Entry, with the notable addition of needing to show proficiency in French) and the Provincial Nominee Program.

Are you looking to study in Canada? Check out the courses in Canada and pick your favourite!

Australia: One of the best countries to immigrate from India

What’s attractive about Australia?

Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world and a top travel destination for people from all over, especially those looking to migrate. Australia’s excellent universities and research and employment prospects draw students from around the globe. Other attractions are a high standard of living, complemented by a social security net and top-notch medical and other professional services; the favourable climate though most of the year; the stunning natural scenery with varied topography, and an easy-going culture that facilitates the integration process. With huge investments being made in virtually every sector, from defence to manufacturing, this may well be as close as one can get to an ideal time to consider migrating to Australia for better prospects.

Route to residency

Australia’s immigration policies rank among the most flexible and open for deserving applicants. The Skill Select immigration program is based on points accorded on the basis of educational qualifications, work experience and other criteria. The various types of immigration visas available for those planning to head to Australia include the Australian student visa, temporary visa, work visa, skilled visa, short-stay work visas and visitor visa. The availability of the option of permanent residency and post-study work permits offers students in particular a great chance to establish themselves professionally and explore the option of becoming citizens.

USA: One of the best countries for Indian Immigrants

What’s attractive about the USA?

As one of the largest countries and one of the largest economies in the world, and with its pop culture and entertainment having spread all over and influenced a lot of countries, the USA is still reckoned as being among the most favoured countries when it comes to emigration. The attractive job prospects and educational facilities in the USA certainly make it one of the best countries to migrate from India. The USA is home to universities and colleges that are frequently ranked among the best in the world.  The country’s vast and diverse landscapes, a mix of cultures, and excellent modern amenities, not to mention the presence of a large, varied and thriving Indian diaspora, all have endeared the USA to generations of Indians.

Route to residency

Having been a country with a thriving multicultural environment for a long time now, and with immigrants from all over the world, the USA has made immigration easier by incorporating flexibility in protocols. The types of visas offered include student visas, work visas and visitor visas. Possession of a green card, which may take a while to acquire even with valid paperwork and payment, paves the way to obtain residency. If the applicant isn’t a student, then he or she will require someone to sponsor them or petition for their emigration.

The United Kingdom

What’s attractive about the UK?

The UK has historical ties with almost the entire world and subsequently a long history of immigrants representing almost every nationality. The country is universally acknowledged as a fantastic location to live and work in. Attractions include exciting career prospects; a high-quality education system with top-rated UK universities and colleges, some of which have been around for hundreds of years; excellent living standards, numerous historical sites, and; some breathtaking outdoor getaways and scenery. The English-speaking environment, shared historical ties and a large and established sub-continental populace of which approximately three million are of Indian origin - all make the UK a very inviting destination for Indians, apart from the fact that it is home to some of the most prestigious companies and institutions of education.

Route to residency

Immigrants to the UK have several avenues open to them. There are numerous skilled employment openings that cover jobs in the fields of IT, science, engineering, law, finance, medical, accounting and management. Recently, the process of immigration to the UK has been streamlined with the introduction of a points-based system. The government has also devised programs to attract applications from professionals in the trade, engineering, medical and business sectors.

Germany: One of the best countries to migrate to

What’s attractive about Germany?

Germany’s attractions for aspiring immigrants are obvious at first look - the most populous country in the European Union with one of the largest economies in the world; shared borders with nine countries; the thriving industrial and automotive sectors; the world-class educational opportunities, where a lot of colleges grant degrees for free and numerous employment prospects, at least in certain sectors. Possession of a German passport also allows the holder to enter 192 countries with or without a visa upon arrival.

Germany boasts a work-life balance that is the envy of a lot of the developed world, and a healthy way of life, helped in no small measure by the spectacular outdoors, especially in terms of hiking and trekking trails.

Route to residency

The rules and protocols involving immigration to Germany are designed to make the process of immigration smooth and as hassle-free as possible. Types of visas on offer include work visas, student visas, training visas, job search visas and even a guest scientist visa! Opportunities for permanent residency are also relatively easy to avail.

A shortage of skilled workers means the country is regularly looking for IT professionals, engineers and other highly-qualified professionals. EU Blue cards and residency permits are available for investors and workers. The one thing that Indians will have to take into account is that it is preferable, and in some cases, necessary to learn the German language to study and work there. If a person has held a temporary residency and an EU blue card for a certain number of years, the option of permanent residency or ‘Niederlassungserlaubnis’ becomes available for them.

New Zealand

What’s attractive about New Zealand?

Known as ‘Aoteroa’, meaning the ‘land of the clouds’ in the local Maori tongue, New Zealand is a great mix of a safe environment, a welcoming populace and a stable economy. The country features regularly in most lists of top 10 countries to live in – not surprising, given the healthy lifestyle, long life expectancy, subsidized medical treatment, the ease of doing business and much more. It goes without saying then that New Zealand will almost always feature in a list of the best countries to migrate to from India. The stunning landscapes that dot both North and South Island reflect the simple lifestyle of the tribes indigenous to this region and also offer scope for plenty of outdoor activities. A thriving and growing Indian diaspora is a further attraction for many Indians to pick New Zealand as a potential destination to settle in.

Route to residency

There are numerous visa routes to migrate to New Zealand, including the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Business Visa and Entrepreneur Resident Visa. Those who obtain the required score on the point-based immigration system will have their EOI (Expression of Interest) accepted and be invited to apply for residency. Other visas that cater for more specific purposes are available for education, work and investment.

Do you want to study in New Zealand? Check out our free Course Matcher Tool to find out the right course and university for you!

Norway: One of the best countries to migrate from India

What’s attractive about Norway?

Have you ever considered Norway as one of the best countries to immigrate from India? Norway’s clean air, free education and low unemployment rates (among the lowest in Europe), are good enough starting points for the rest of the world to consider it as a potential immigration destination. Throw in the high salaries, liberal policies with regard to immigration and extremely low crime rates and one realises why the country is fast making a name for itself as a go-to place for those who aspire a high standard of living with amenities for comfort.

Route to residency

Aspiring Indian immigrants to Norway are required to obtain permanent residency in order to be eligible to work or live there. This process usually begins on the UDI website, with the applicant choosing the application type, whether as a skilled worker with an employer, an employee of any organization abroad on an assignment in Norway or a self-employed individual in or outside of the country. Also, it could be mandatory in some cases to be proficient to a level in the local language, Norwegian. The Norwegian Embassy in the capital of India, New Delhi, issues applications for residence permit on behalf of Norway.

Singapore

What’s attractive about Singapore?

The only South Asian country to make this list, and certainly one of the best countries to immigrate from India is the young island nation of Singapore. It offers international students a high-quality education, complemented by world-class facilities and well-respected universities. The fourth largest financial centre in the world, Singapore has, in recent decades, developed as a hub for various industries on a global scale in the last two decades. The country with a population of just under six million is also known for its friendly people, a large Indian diaspora with ties to the country that dates back since its formation, an inclusive culture and a high standard of living which attracts thousands of professionals and entrepreneurs.

Route to residency

The various types of immigration visas available in Singapore are work visas, visitor visas and student visas. The immigration process for Indian nationals has been made much smoother in recent years. To acquire a visa in Singapore, you need certain documents to be in order and have your visa processed. Among the various schemes offered by Singapore for immigration are the Employment pass, Entrepreneur Pass, Singapore Long-term Visit Pass and Student Pass.

The above countries are by no means the only destinations with prospects for Indians. There are many more destinations that Indians are considering and opting to travel to in this new era of interconnectedness, experimentation and innovation. With a little bit of planning, careful consideration and an honest appraisal of your needs, interests and abilities, there is no reason why you cannot hit upon the right destination for you to attain your desired level of success in your work and your life.

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