While many Indians continue to seek global work opportunities, there is a marked dip in the percentage of respondents who are willing to work abroad— down from 78 percent in 2018 and 2020 to 54 percent in 2023, a BCG survey has found.
The fourth global study on ‘International Mobility Trends’ by BCG, the Network, and the Stepstone Group, highlighted that of Indian respondents who were unwilling to relocate to a different country for work, a staggering 59 percent cited a strong emotional attachment to their country, well ahead of the 33 percent global average.
According to the survey data from more than 1.5 lakh workforce respondents from 188 countries, moving abroad for work remains a dream for many around the world, with 23 percent of professionals actively seeking jobs in other countries, and 63 percent expressing an overall willingness to do so.
The survey results reveal that globally talent moves abroad primarily for professional progress, with those willing to do so citing financial and economic reasons (64 percent of respondents) and career considerations such as work experience (56 percent) as their top reasons for doing so.
For respondents who listed a specific reason for choosing a particular country, the quality of job opportunities was the top decisive factor (65 percent), with quality of life and climate ranking second (54 percent).
Other country-specific characteristics such as opportunities for citizenship (18 percent) and health care (15 percent) also play a role but are secondary factors.
Younger people and people from countries with fast-growing populations are the most mobile.
English-speaking geographies with strong economies lead the list of top destinations, with Australia, the US, Canada and the UK being the four most desirable countries, and London topping the list of cities, with New York also placing in the top five.
India’s ranking as a preferred destination has gone up by 6 points over the last five years.
While Bengaluru and Delhi continue to be preferred destinations for those willing to work in India, their overall ranking among global cities has gone down.
Ahmedabad has entered the top 100 global cities for the first time since the report was first launched in 2018.
“In recent years, India has emerged as a beacon for professionals seeking dynamic career opportunities, both domestically and globally. This surge in popularity is underscored by its increasing rank on the global index of preferred working destinations, having gained six rank points in the last five years… By fostering a dynamic and attractive work environment, India can continue to attract top talent, not only locally but also globally, solidifying its position as a global business hub,” said Neetu Chitkara Managing Director & Partner, India Lead People and Organization Practice at Boston Consulting Group.
Workers around the world who move abroad expect employers to take the lead in helping them adjust. Nearly eight out of 10 respondents expect to get help with housing (79 percent) as well as visa and work permit assistance (78 percent), and more than half count on relocation support (69 percent) and language support and training (54 percent).
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