Why Foreigners Struggle to Settle in Countries Like India and Why Indians Prefer Migrating Abroad
The desire to relocate to a different country is a common one around the world. However, when it comes to settling in nations like India, Turkish republics, or other similar countries, it often seems a challenging endeavor. The blend of cultural peculiarities, societal norms, and harsh realities can make it difficult for foreigners to integrate and thrive. Furthermore, the same is true for Indians who aspire to better their conditions by migrating to developed or wealthy countries. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind these contrasting trends and explore the factors that deter foreigners from settling in India and encourage Indians to move abroad.
General Perception and Initial Impressions
Foreigners visiting India as tourists are often bewitched by the culture, spirituality, and food, but the real aspects of life in India can come as a shock. Cruelty and corruption are deeply embedded in the social fabric, making day-to-day living a struggle for many Indians. When foreigners witness these realities, their initial appreciation fades, and they become vocal in criticizing the country. Repeated experiences of discrimination and a lack of acceptance often discourage them from settling down permanently.
Challenges Faced by Foreigners in India
The harsh climate, which can be unbearable during certain seasons, is just one of many issues foreigners face.
Harsh Climate: Experiencing extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns can be challenging, especially for people accustomed to milder climates.
Cost of Living: While the cost of living might seem relatively low, the higher price of certain staples and services can make daily life more expensive than in more developed nations.
Hygiene Standards: The lower level of hygiene and sanitation can pose health risks and make day-to-day living unpleasant.
Limited Career Advancement Opportunities: There is often a lack of opportunities for professional growth and economic advancement, especially when compared to developed countries.
These challenges contribute to the perception of India as a challenging place to live, with foreigners frequently finding it difficult to thrive in its society.
Why Indians Migrate and the Reverse Trend
Conversely, many Indians aspire to migrate abroad to improve their quality of life, pursue better career prospects, and earn higher salaries. This trend is driven by the prospect of availing better educational opportunities and enjoying a more developed and stable society.
1. Better Life and Career Opportunities: Indians often migrate to developed countries in search of a better life and career prospects.
2. Developed Countries’ Needs: Developed countries, often underpopulated, seek skilled labor from overpopulated countries like India, leading to opportunities for Indians in these countries.
3. Education: Many Indian students pursue higher education in Western countries, where they have access to better facilities and resources.
4. Economic Opportunities: People from neighboring countries like Bangladesh migrate to India in search of better economic opportunities and a more developed society.
These trends highlight the cultural and economic disparities that exist, driving Indians to seek better options abroad while making it challenging for foreigners to settle in India.
Cultural Insights and Personal Experiences
A personal account from a foreigner who came to India with a world record and international modeling experience offers another poignant perspective. This individual was victimized in Haryana, Pune, and Bombay, and received poor service and hospitality in Bombay. The incident reflects the initial shock and disappointment often experienced by foreigners in India, further reinforcing the reasons they may not wish to settle there.
Similarly, the struggle to be accepted and the cultural disparities evident in the country can lead even talented and well-regarded individuals to feel unwelcome, leading to a sense of disillusionment and disappointment. This personal story adds depth to the broader narrative and underscores the need for systemic changes to improve the situation.
While there is hope that conditions may improve, for now, the stark realities of life in India continue to deter many foreigners from settling down, and encourage Indians to seek better opportunities abroad.