Why Young Indians Are Moving Abroad : The search for stability, power , and freedom .
A growing number of young Indians are leaving the country in search of better opportunities, stable incomes, and a different way of life . A trend that raises serious concerns about India’s future.
Swati Dubey 
Every day, at airports across Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, long lines of young Indians wait with packed suitcases, visas in hand, and dreams of a life beyond the country’s borders. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, over 2.3 lakh Indians gave up their citizenship in 2024 . The highest in recent years , and most of them were young professionals in their twenties and thirties. For a generation that was taught to believe India is the land of opportunity, the growing urge to leave it behind tells a different story. A quick scroll through social media reveals countless videos and guides on how to move abroad — from applying for visas to finding jobs and starting a new life overseas.
Although highly educated and capable, many young Indians still face unemployment or jobs that pay far below their skill level. Low salaries make it difficult to survive in cities where the cost of living continues to rise. According to CMIE data, youth unemployment in India has reached around 17–18%, leaving thousands of qualified graduates without stable work. Many apply for jobs, but only a few are hired, often at pay that fails to match their effort or education. Inflation, high rent, pollution, traffic, and the growing crime rate make daily life increasingly challenging, pushing many to consider opportunities abroad.
More developed countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK offer skill-based employment and fair salaries. Outside India, people often find jobs that truly value their education and abilities. The younger generation also appreciates the flexible work culture abroad — limited working hours, paid leaves, and a strong focus on mental health. Unlike in India, professionals are chosen for their skills and experience, not because of connections or recommendations. Many young Indians see this as a refreshing change that allows them to grow personally and professionally.
The continuous migration of intelligent, skilled engineers, doctors, and students has become a major concern for India. The country emphasizes heavily in education, but other nations end up benefiting from that talent. Experts warn this could slow down research, innovation, and economic growth in the coming years. India is known as the world’s youngest nation, yet many of its brightest minds are choosing to build their future somewhere else. Despite government efforts through programmes like Startup India and Skill India, the lack of job security, rising costs, and unstable markets continue to push people away. Families are being separated, with parents left behind while their children move abroad in search of stability. While India dreams of becoming a global power, it must also face a hard truth — a nation cannot grow if its future keeps leaving home.
