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India most challenging country for expats to move to, says survey

The study pointed out that just 0.4 percent of India’s population were born outside the country, indicating the challenges faced by those moving to the country.

Representative image / Image: Unsplash

In a recent study conducted by expat insurance provider William Russell, India has emerged as the most challenging country for expatriates to relocate to.

The country topped the list of 30 nations with the most difficult employment visa processes. The study analyzed factors such as expat population, visa data, required vaccines, and language requirements to determine the overall difficulty of emigrating to each country.

According to the findings, India is followed closely by Australia and Finland in terms of challenging relocation. Australia demands the highest visa-related fees, amounting to £1,570 (approximately US $1,990.59), while Finland, though offering the EU Blue Card, sets a high earnings threshold of €62,508 (approximately Rs 56 lakh) for applicants.

The study pointed out that just 0.4 percent of India’s population were born outside the country, indicating the challenges faced by those moving to the country. "Looking at the number of expats currently residing in a country gives us a general idea of how easy it is for people to move there and how appealing it is to expats," statex the report.

Additionally, India's visa process demands significant fees, making it a hurdle for potential expatriates. The study also highlighted that at least three vaccinations, including routine ones like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), hepatitis A, tetanus, and typhoid, are required for those seeking to relocate to India. Some travelers may also need vaccinations against cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and tuberculosis.

In terms of processing time, India stands out for its efficiency, taking approximately 10 to 15 working days to process applications. In contrast, Canada has the lengthiest processing time, ranging between 10 to 11 months (or 41 weeks), Australia typically takes four to eight months, and Finland's processing time is 90 days.

While India's current standing as the most challenging country for expats may raise eyebrows, it is essential to note that in 2010, the nation had already emerged as the second most challenging location for expatriates globally, following China. 

This trend reflects the persisting challenges faced by individuals seeking employment opportunities in India, even as multinational firms continue to expand their presence in the country and the broader emerging economies. 

On the flip side, Hungary, Malta, and Austria were identified as countries that offer a more straightforward process for expatriates looking to relocate.
 

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