Why Thousands of Indians Are Returning from Canada: “Life Abroad Isn’t as Easy as It Seems”

India/Canada: Many Indians dream of a comfortable life abroad, but the reality often tells a different story. Every year, thousands of Indians return from countries like Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia. One such returnee, Shashwat, has shared his experience, explaining why he chose to leave Canada and come back to India after living there for over one and a half years.

In a recent Instagram video, Shashwat highlighted the challenges of living and working in Canada, providing valuable insights for students and professionals planning to move abroad.

The Job Challenge in Canada

Shashwat revealed that the primary reason for returning was the difficulty of securing employment. “If you don’t have Permanent Residency (PR), landing corporate jobs is nearly impossible. People think jobs in Canada are easy to get, but the reality is harsh—without PR, your chances are only 1–2%,” he explained.

Sharing his personal experience, Shashwat said that he applied to the same company in Canada where he now works in India. Despite having the same skills, he was rejected in Canada—solely because he lacked PR status. He emphasized that the jobs available in Canada weren’t necessarily the ones he wanted; his goal had been to find a better life than in India. Ultimately, he realized that he could live a fulfilling life back home.

Loneliness and Family: Another Factor

Another major reason Shashwat returned was family. Many Indians believe that moving abroad brings freedom and independence, but living alone abroad can be isolating. “Family arguments in India may be frustrating, but life is richer with them. Living alone makes you realize that life without family support feels incomplete,” he said.

Returning Home: The Right Decision

Shashwat stressed that if he had found a good job in Canada, he would have stayed for a few years before returning. However, he had a clear plan for his life in India and has successfully achieved it in the past one and a half years. Today, he says life is good, and returning to India was the right decision.

Shashwat’s story reflects a growing trend among Indians abroad, particularly in the tech sector, where stringent immigration laws, limited job opportunities without PR, and the emotional challenges of living alone are prompting many to return home.

Takeaway: For Indians planning to move to Canada for study or work, understanding immigration policies, securing PR, and preparing for the realities of living abroad is crucial. Sometimes, the best opportunities may be closer to home than imagined.