For years, the allure of a better life abroad has driven thousands of Indians to countries like Canada, where they sought improved education, higher earnings, and a more comfortable existence. However, a quiet shift is unfolding as many non-resident Indians (NRIs) begin reevaluating their overseas aspirations and choosing to return home. A variety of factors, both personal and practical, are influencing this trend. One such case involves a Canada-based professional who has decided to move back to India just a year after relocating.
The individual, who moved to Canada with his wife and child on a closed work permit, expressed doubts about the advantages of staying there long-term.
“I came to Canada last year along with my wife and kid on closed work permit. Back in India, we both were working and able to save 30 LPA ($50,000 CAD). After spending a year in Canada, I feel India is offering better lifestyle than here,” he shared. “Don’t take me wrong, even if both of us working will be able to save 100k CAD. When we ask my colleague and friends why they wanted to settle here, I don’t find any strong reason.”
Laying out his perspective, he compared the benefits of living in Canada versus those in India.
Advantages of Canada:
- Free healthcare, though he believes Indian insurance can provide similar coverage
- Free education, which he sees as the only significant advantage
- Larger homes and cars, which he does not consider essential
- Social status among relatives, which he does not prioritize
- Potential long-term wealth accumulation in seven to eight years
- A standard 9-to-5 work schedule
Advantages of India:
- More pleasant weather
- Connection to cultural roots and closeness to family
- Ability to care for aging parents
- Better food and improved digestion
- Opportunity to establish a side business
- Support from extended family in raising children
With these considerations in mind, he questioned, “Why is everyone trying hard to settle abroad?” and wondered whether he was giving up a valuable opportunity by returning to India.
His reflections sparked a broad range of responses from others.
One individual emphasized that Canada provides a superior work-life balance. “Most of my friends in India don’t have fixed working hours… Earning in dollars gives you more financial flexibility, and international travel is more convenient.”
Another respondent highlighted the challenges of returning to India, citing intense competition and inadequate infrastructure. “Cities are dense, polluted, and lack basic amenities like parks and footpaths. Government institutions are corrupt, and water crises are common.”
However, not everyone was convinced that the West offered a better life. “Nope, you are not missing anything… We are moving back too. It’s just not worth it. Health care has completely broken and education here sucks.”
Others adopted a more balanced perspective. One person who has lived in Canada since 2015 said, “There’s no way in hell I can even imagine doing an office job in India. The traffic, crowd, and pollution are exhausting. But I may still return for my aging parents—just not permanently.”
Another put the debate into financial terms: “If you can save 30L in India, it is absolutely better even if you save $100k CAD (which is about 60L)… But it depends on what kind of education you want for your kids.”
As more NRIs weigh the pros and cons of life abroad versus in India, this discussion continues to gain traction. While some remain committed to their new countries, others find themselves drawn back by familial ties, cultural familiarity, and the prospect of a better quality of life at home.