Main R2I (Return-to-India) reasons for NRIs abroad

Over the years, a reverse trend is starting to take shape. More and more overseas NRIs are returning home, and others are considering the option. The reasons for R2I – return to India – vary from personal to business to emotional; some of the main ones are:

More job opportunities in a booming Indian economy: As Indian economy keeps on growing, year after year; there are more opportunities available in India compared to old days. The IT field continues to expand, creating demand for international professionals. The economic revolution that started in 1991 has reformed India into one of the major players on the world stage.

Slow down in America and other developed countries: The global markets are going through some of the worse economic recessions of all times. The unemployment in USA is at its highest in many decades. The bleak outlook in job markets and uncertain future abroad is one of the reasons for many immigrants to consider returning home.

Going back ‘Home’:The sense of belonging makes a big difference when deciding on the future path. It feels good to be back and going back to the roots - being a part of our own culture, our own society is a major psychological boost.

Family reasons:Many go back to India for family reasons. This could be to take care of the elders who need support in the old age, or taking care of the family property etc. Most of the NRIs have some members of family in India – a bond that always has its pull.

Starting a business or Property investment:Many NRIs like to invest in properties back home, or they start their own business. If the business or the investment succeeds, many prefer to spend more time in India than abroad, or ultimately settle back home.

Financial Freedom: The money situation is often the main instrument in deciding the future path. Many NRIs, who have saved/invested enough and no longer feel the financial burden of day-to-day life,  prefer to go back and enjoy the financial freedom. The convenience of NRI Bank Accounts is adds to the attraction.

Charity or educational work:As a part of ‘giving back’ to the mother land, many NRIs seriously consider going back to help out in one way or another. Doing charity work, working for NGO, educating and helping the poor neighborhoods, contributing to developing Indian infrastructure with the knowledge gained abroad are some of the means toward this noble goal. The brain drain is being paid back with brain gain.

Early Education and Indian language exposure for the kids: Many desi parents find it important to expose their kids to the Indian language and the best way to achieve this is by living in an Indian society. Quite a few NRIs feel a compelling need, at least temporarily, to return to India with their kids to raise them in Indian culture, speaking mother tongue.

Manmohan Singh is calling:The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is welcoming the overseas Indians with open Arms. During his recent visit to America, he a made a public call to all NRIs, “Let me take this opportunity to extend an invitation to all Indian Americans and non-resident Indians who wish to return home to India in one capacity or another.”  This is certainly creating a more friendly atmosphere for NRIs returning home.

Food and festivals: Not a single best reason in itself to pack up and head home just because one misses road-side stalls of authentic food, Diwali or other festivals, but it is certainly a bonus – one more reason to consider while thinking of returning home.

Nostalgia – Home sweet home: Some times the emotional ties and past memories make a big difference when deciding on where to live – home or abroad. The nostalgia certainly has its pull, even though the past is long gone and it is not the same anymore as when we were little kids – not even back home. :)

A journey that started at home long time ago, makes sense to end at home – sooner or late! :)

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