Archive · 31 Oct 2025
NRI's Post on India's 'Unliveable' Cities Sparks Migration Debate
Imagine someone from India who has been living and working in the Netherlands for five years.
They had to leave the Netherlands because of a problem with their permission to stay.
When thinking about where to go next, they felt that coming back to India wasn't a good option.
They explained that big Indian cities feel too crowded and noisy to live in, and it's hard to find fun things to do or good jobs outside of just technology.
This person's thoughts made many other people who live abroad talk about where they might move.
Some suggested other English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, or the UK, where they might find jobs and be able to settle more easily.
The conversation shows that many young Indian professionals are looking for more than just a good salary; they want a good life with a balance between work and fun, and a place that feels right for them.
An Indian expatriate in the Netherlands posted on Reddit about leaving the country due to residence permit issues.
The user cited Indian cities as 'unliveable' with limited cultural options and low non-tech salaries, sparking an online debate.
Other Redditors suggested English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK for job opportunities and cultural fit.
Some commenters noted language barriers in non-English European countries as a relocation challenge.
The discussion highlights a trend of Indian professionals reassessing their career and lifestyle choices globally.
- Who
- An Indian expatriate living in the Netherlands
- What
- Posted on Reddit about difficulties in returning to India after 5 years abroad, sparking a debate on migration.
- When
- Recently (implied by online debate)
- Where
- Netherlands and India (discussion focus), with suggestions for Australia, Canada, and the UK.
- Why
- User felt Indian cities were 'unliveable' and offered limited cultural/hobby pursuits, while also facing residence permit issues in the Netherlands.
Viewpoints on Relocation and Living in India
Alternative Perspectives
Attractiveness of Indian Cities
Viewpoints on Relocation and Living in India
Indian cities are perceived as 'unliveable' with significant urban challenges, limited cultural/hobby pursuits, and insufficient salaries outside the tech sector.
Alternative Perspectives
While not explicitly defending India, the debate implies a consideration for returning, with a counterpoint that jobs are increasingly being outsourced to India.
Ideal Next Destinations
Viewpoints on Relocation and Living in India
English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK are recommended for their job opportunities (SAP, finance) and cultural similarity to the Netherlands.
Alternative Perspectives
Caution is advised regarding quality of life in popular destinations like Canada, noting that work-life balance might be difficult to achieve outside Europe.
Factors in Decision Making
Viewpoints on Relocation and Living in India
Focus is on lifestyle, work-life balance, and cultural fulfillment, beyond just convenience or family proximity.
Alternative Perspectives
Practicalities like language barriers are highlighted as significant considerations for settling in non-English speaking European countries.
- Platform
- User Experience Duration
- 5 years in Netherlands
- User's Skills
- SAP, Finance, Project Management
- Stated Reasons for Leaving Netherlands
- Residence permit issues
- User's Criticisms of India
- Urban challenges, lack of cultural/hobby pursuits, low non-tech salaries