Indians leave Sweden in record numbers¡ªhighest exodus since 1998, says Swedish government agency: Here's why
As the allure of studying and working abroad continues to draw many Indians, a troubling trend has emerged in Sweden¡ªone of Europe's top destinations for immigration with approximately 7,480 Indians migrating to the country in 2023. As highlighted in a report by The Local, the first months of 2024 have witnessed a record exodus of Indian migrants, marking the highest numbers since 1998.
Data from Statistics Sweden, a?Swedish government agency,?show that more Indians are leaving the country than moving there.?
The Indian diaspora in Sweden began forming in the 20th century, with a significant increase in Indian migration in the 21st century due to changing immigration laws and a focus on attracting skilled workers and students. By the end of 2022, there were 50,000 Indians living in Sweden.
However, Statistics Sweden reports that in the first half of 2024 - between January and June - 2,837 Indian-born individuals left Sweden,?an increase of 171% from the previous year.??
This meant that Sweden experienced its first negative net migration of Indians since at least 1998.?This makes Indians the largest group of emigrants, surpassing people from Iraq, China, and Syria.
Robin Sukhia of the Sweden-India Business Council suggests that this trend might be due to various factors, such as high living costs, limited accommodation, and recent tech layoffs.?
Additionally, The Local notes that stricter work permit rules and a 20% drop in work permits for highly qualified immigrants could also be contributing to this shift.
Ankur Tyagi, an Indian living in Sweden, shared reasons on X which he thinks is behind the rising number of Indians leaving the country.?
With India's booming economy offering better career opportunities and competitive salaries, many find returning home appealing. Further, loneliness and difficulties forming friendships in Sweden due to cultural and language barriers also play a role, Tyagi says.
Spouses struggle to find work due to language issues is another reason, as per Tyagi, and family responsibilities drive many to return to support aging parents.?
He adds that some are attracted by higher pay and lower taxes in the USA, while others seek the quality of life and family time available in India. Sweden's harsh winters and the high cost of living also contribute to the decision.
Additionally, the flexibility of remote work allows some to work for international employers while living in India, Tyagi concludes.
For Indians thinking of studying and living in Sweden, here's a Reddit thread that might be helpful:
Experience from studying and living in Sweden
byu/johananblick inIndians_StudyAbroad
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