Non-Resident Indian engineer secures job at tech giant FAANG in Bengaluru following 18 years in the United States, ponders 'Should I go back...'
In the tech industry, a common dilemma is facing an Indian-origin professional who has spent nearly two decades working for a top-tier FAANG company in the United States. After years spent building a career and raising a family in the US, this individual is now grappling with the decision to return to India.
The primary factors driving this potential move are rooted in visa hurdles, immigration policies, and economic considerations. Many skilled Indian professionals in the US face uncertainty in visa renewals or extensions, as some US companies prefer hiring US citizens over visa holders, regardless of talent. This forces long-term workers to leave the US abruptly[1][3].
Moreover, even talented Indian visa holders find it challenging to secure new jobs in the US, as firms often restrict hiring to citizens due to political and regulatory environments[1]. Economic downturns or recessions may further reduce job opportunities or contract extensions, prompting tech workers to reassess their career locations[1].
Returning professionals notice significant cultural differences in Indian workplaces, including longer working hours, weekend work, more internal politics, and hierarchical systems compared to their experience at multinational tech companies in the US[3]. However, some Indian product-based companies and multinational firms in India are increasingly offering balanced work environments and good career prospects, which attract returning professionals despite cultural adjustments[3].
The individual's personal circumstances add complexity to this decision. They hold a green card and have two US-born children, aged 8 and 3. There are concerns about taking their children away from a relatively privileged and stable life in the United States, as well as potential challenges with different citizenship if they return to the US for college or to settle down[4].
One netizen suggests that the individual should consider retiring in India if they want to spend more time with their aging parents[5]. Another user advises that the decision should not be based on guilt or a preference for clean roads and buildings, as life is about more than that[6]. Some users suggest checking for relocation benefits from the FAANG company, such as logistics and temporary accommodation[7].
However, if the individual moves back to India, they would have to give up their green card, which is a significant decision[8]. One netizen warns that FAANG jobs may be fleeting and advises getting US citizenship before moving back to India[9].
In summary, the primary tangible driver often comes down to visa complications and restrictive immigration policies in the US that limit career stability for Indian-origin tech professionals, along with changing economic circumstances[1][3]. While returning can involve cultural readjustment and career challenges, growing opportunities in India’s tech sector are making repatriation increasingly viable for some.
References:
- India Inc. losing out on tech talent due to US visa issues
- Indian techies in the US face uncertainty amidst Trump's H1B visa crackdown
- Indian professionals returning home to India: The rise of reverse brain drain
- Children of H-1B visa holders face uncertainty amidst US immigration policies
- User comment suggesting retiring in India to spend time with aging parents
- User comment advising against making decisions based on guilt or preference for clean roads
- User comment suggesting checking for relocation benefits from FAANG company
- User comment noting that moving back to India would require giving up the green card
- User comment warning that FAANG jobs may be fleeting and advising getting US citizenship before moving back to India
- Despite the allure of clean roads and buildings in India, the individual should weigh their decision carefully, understanding that life is about more than just physical surroundings.
- As the tech industry in India flourishes, offering balanced work environments and good career prospects, it becomes increasingly inviting for professionals like the individual to consider repatriation, despite the cultural adjustments.
- In the face of visa complications and restrictive immigration policies in the United States, the prospect of obtaining long-term career stability and financial security often drives Indian-origin tech professionals, such as the individual, to consider returning to their home country.
