An Indian living in Sweden recently took to social media to discuss why he believes many Indians are choosing to move back to India from Sweden. While Sweden is the fifth-largest country in Europe and a popular destination for Indians, Ankur Tyagi, the X user who shared his perspective, suggests that despite Sweden’s “beautiful landscapes, unique culture, and new experiences,” there are compelling reasons why some Indians decide to return home.
Why Are Indians Leaving Sweden?
Ankur outlined several reasons for this trend. One significant factor he mentioned is “Professional Growth in India.” According to him, the booming Indian economy now offers highly skilled professionals competitive salaries and enticing career prospects, making the option to return home more attractive.
Another reason Ankur highlighted is the challenge of “Loneliness and Lack of Close Friends.” He noted that living in Western countries often leads to feelings of isolation, particularly because forming deep friendships can be challenging due to cultural differences and language barriers. Many Indians miss the strong social connections and community life they enjoyed in India, which are hard to replicate in Sweden. This sense of loneliness can drive the desire to move back, where they can reconnect with long-time friends and immerse themselves in a more familiar social environment.
Ankur also pointed out that some spouses of Indian professionals in Sweden struggle to find jobs despite having the necessary qualifications and work experience, primarily due to a “lack of Swedish language skills.”
Family ties and responsibilities are also a driving force. Many Indians wish to return to support aging parents and stay closer to their families. Ankur mentioned that for some, returning to India allows children to bond with their grandparents, which enhances overall family happiness.
Another reason Ankur cited is “Social Integration.” He explained that some Indians face difficulties fully integrating into Swedish society because of cultural differences and language barriers, which can make them feel more at home in India.
Sweden’s weather is another factor that Ankur mentioned. He noted that the long, dark winters and cold climate can be difficult for those accustomed to India’s warmer weather, which can be a reason for moving back to India.
The high cost of living in Sweden is another significant concern. Ankur suggested that India might provide a “better lifestyle” at a “lower cost,” making it a more appealing option for some.
Finally, Ankur mentioned “Remote Work Flexibility” as a reason for the return migration. With the rise of remote work following the pandemic, many Indians have the flexibility to work from anywhere. This has enabled some to return to India while continuing to work for international employers.
Changing Migration Patterns
Despite a long-standing trend of Indians moving to Sweden, there has been a recent uptick in the number of Indians leaving the country. Statistics Sweden reported that 2,837 Indian-born individuals left Sweden between January and June 2024, a 171% increase from the same period in 2023. This marks the first time since at least 1998 that Sweden has experienced a negative net migration of Indians in the first half of the year.
Robin Sukhia, CEO of the Sweden-India Business Council, advises caution in interpreting these numbers, suggesting that various factors, such as economic conditions and accommodation shortages, might be at play. He recommends waiting for a full year of data for a clearer picture.
During the same period in 2024, 2,461 Indian-born people moved to Sweden, down from 3,681 the previous year, marking the lowest level of Indian immigration since 2017, excluding the pandemic years.