Sweden, a popular destination for Indians and the fifth-largest country in Europe, is increasingly seeing Indian immigrants reconsider their decision to settle there. Ankur Tyagi, an Indian software engineer and CEO of the Sweden-India Business Council, highlighted the growing trend of Indians returning to their homeland. Through social media, Tyagi identified five key reasons behind this reversal.
Professional growth: Tyagi emphasized that India’s booming economy is offering competitive salaries and abundant career opportunities, especially for highly skilled professionals. The appeal of these prospects is encouraging many to return to India.
Loneliness: Cultural and language barriers in Sweden make it challenging for Indians to build close friendships. Tyagi noted that many Indians miss the strong social bonds and community life they enjoyed back home, making it difficult to adapt to life in Sweden.
Spouse employment: The lack of Swedish language skills significantly hinders spouses from finding employment in Sweden, despite their qualifications. This challenge contributes to the decision of many families to return to India, where both partners can pursue their careers.
Better opportunities elsewhere: While Sweden offers a high quality of life, some Indians find better financial opportunities in the United States, where higher pay and lower taxes make relocation attractive.
Cost of living: Tyagi pointed out that the high cost of living in Sweden is a major burden for many. In contrast, India offers a better lifestyle at a lower cost, making it a more appealing option for those seeking financial stability.
Statistics Sweden reports that, for the first time since at least 1998, Sweden has experienced negative net migration of Indians in the first half of the year. From January to June, only 2,461 Indian-born individuals moved to Sweden, compared to 3,681 during the same period last year. This decline marks the lowest level of Indian immigration since 2017, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic years.
Previously, Indian immigration had been steadily increasing since 2009, driven by strengthened diplomatic relations and Sweden’s efforts to recruit more professionals for its tech sector. However, the recent trends suggest a shift as more Indians are reconsidering Sweden as their long-term home.
