More Indian professionals are returning to India from Sweden because they find better job
opportunities, stronger family connections, and more affordable living. Ankur Tyagi’s viral
post explains these reasons, backed by data from Statistics Sweden that shows a
noticeable increase in Indians leaving Sweden in early 2024 compared to 2023.
Sweden is one of the biggest countries in Europe and ranks fourth in the World Happiness
Report 2024, showing that people there are very satisfied with life. In terms of work-life
balance, employees in Sweden work 40 hours a week and enjoy 25 days of guaranteed paid
vacation. This makes Sweden a top choice for skilled workers looking to move abroad.
The Real Reasons Why Many
Indians Are Returning from Sweden
An Indian man living in Sweden shared on social media why he believes many Indians are
returning from Sweden and moving back to India. Although Sweden, the fifth-largest
country in Europe, is a popular choice for Indians to settle in, X user Ankur Tyagi noted that
despite the “beautiful landscapes, unique culture, and new experiences,” many Indians
returning from Sweden still feel a strong desire to go back home
Why are Indians choosing to leave Sweden?
Ankur tyagi mentioned several reasons he thinks could explain why Indians are returning
from Sweden. One reason he noted is “Better Career Opportunities in India.” He said, “As
India’s economy grows, skilled professionals can find good salaries and exciting job options,
which makes going back home attractive.”
Ankur also mentioned “Loneliness and Lack of Close Friends” as a reason. He explained,
“Living in the West can make people feel lonely, especially when it’s hard to make deep
friendships because of cultural differences or language barriers. Many Indians returning
from Sweden miss the strong social connections and community life they had back in India,
which can be hard to find in Sweden. This feeling of isolation can make moving back to
India more appealing, where they can reconnect with old friends and enjoy a more familiar
social environment.”
Ankur Tyagi highlighted a challenge that some Indians returning from Sweden face: even
with the right qualifications and work experience, many spouses struggle to find jobs in
Sweden due to a “lack of Swedish language skills.”
He mentioned that many Indians want to move back to their home country to support their
aging parents and be closer to family. Some are also seeking “better financial
opportunities.” Additionally, being near family can boost overall happiness, especially for
children who benefit from spending time with their grandparents.
Another reason pointed out by Ankur is “social integration.” He explained that some
Indians returning from Sweden find it difficult to fully integrate into Swedish society due to
cultural differences and language barriers, which makes it easier for them to return to
India.
Ankur Tyagi suggested that Sweden’s weather might be another reason why Indians are
returning from Sweden. He said, “The long, dark winters and cold climate in Sweden can be
tough for those accustomed to India’s warmer weather, which can influence the decision to
move back.”
He also pointed out that the high cost of living in Sweden can be challenging for many
people. In contrast, India might offer a “better lifestyle” at a “lower cost.”
The final reason Ankur mentioned is “Remote Work Flexibility.” He explained, “The rise of
remote work because of the pandemic allows people to work from anywhere. As a result,
some Indians returning from Sweden are moving back to India while still working for
international employers.”
Surprising Statistics
Statistics Sweden’s data reveals that for at least the last two decades, more Indians have
moved to Sweden than have left. However, recent figures show a significant shift: between
January and June, 2,837 Indian-born individuals left Sweden, marking a 171 percent
increase compared to the same period in 2023. Indians now make up the largest group of
emigrants from Sweden. According to Statistics Sweden, this is the first time since at least
1998 that Sweden has experienced a negative net migration of Indians in the first half of
the year.
Robin Sukhia, secretary-general and CEO of the Sweden-India Business Council, advised
against jumping to conclusions based solely on these numbers. He suggested that a full
year’s data will be needed to understand the trends better. Sukhia pointed out that various
factors, such as high living costs in Sweden, a lack of service apartments and general
accommodation, and possible errors in the data, could be contributing to the change.
In the first half of 2024, 2,461 Indian-born individuals moved to Sweden, down from 3,681
during the same period last year. Apart from the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, Indian
immigration to Sweden is at its lowest point since 2017.
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