'Why is everyone trying to....': NRI in Canada says India's lifestyle is better, post gets VIRAL and ignites debate
For years, the promise of a better life overseas drew thousands of Indians to nations such as Canada, pursuing better education, increased earnings, and a higher standard of living. But a silent reversal is in progress. More and more non-resident Indians (NRIs) are reconsidering the overseas dream and coming home, motivated both by individual priorities and changing ground realities.
For years, the promise of a better life overseas drew thousands of Indians to nations such as Canada, pursuing better education, increased earnings, and a higher standard of living. But a silent reversal is in progress. More and more non-resident Indians (NRIs) are reconsidering the overseas dream and coming home, motivated both by individual priorities and changing ground realities. In one such story, a Canada-based professional shared why he’s ready to head back to India just a year after moving.
Post titled "I regret moving to Canada" goes viral on an Indian Reddit forum.
— Riley Donovan (@valdombre) March 19, 2025
"The West sells you an illusion...Don’t fall for the trap - stay in India, invest in yourself, and build something meaningful at home." pic.twitter.com/Y5rnHQjdtc
Is India providing better lifestyle than Canada?
The user, who moved to Canada last year with his wife and child on a closed work permit, said he no longer sees “big benefits staying in Canada". "I came to Canada last year along with my wife and kid on closed work permit. Back in India we both were employed and could save 30 LPA ($50,000 CAD). After one year here, I feel India is providing better lifestyle than here," he wrote. "Don't misunderstand me, even if both of us employed will be in a position to save 100k CAD. When we inquire my colleague and friends why they wished to settle here, I don't find any strong reason."
Considering the advantages and disadvantages, he presented his rationale:
Advantages in Canada:
- Free medical care (though he thinks Indian insurance can be equal to this)
- Free education (the sole evident advantage)
- More homes and vehicles (which he doesn't need)
- Social respect with relatives (which he doesn't appreciate)
- Prosperity after 7-8 years
- Normative 9-to-5 working schedule
- Good weather
- Cultural origin and closeness to family
- Capacity to take care of parents
- Better nutrition and digestion
- Capacity to establish a side business
- Support of family for bringing up children
"Why are people so desperate to settle abroad?"
"Why are people so desperate to settle abroad?" he asked, wondering if he was losing a golden opportunity. The post evoked a broad range of reactions. One of the users countered Canada provides a far better work-life balance. "My friends back home in India do not have a fixed office hour. Earning in dollars makes you financially flexible, and travel abroad is more convenient."Another cautioned about the intense competition and bad public infrastructure in India. "Cities are crowded, dirty, and don't have amenities such as parks and footpaths. Government offices are corrupt, and water shortages are frequent."
Not everyone was convinced about the West
Not everyone was convinced about the West, though. "Nope, you are not missing anything. We are returning too. It's just not worth it. Health care has totally collapsed and education here is crap."Others took a middle path. One of the users, who had settled in Canada in 2015, stated, "There's no way in hell I can even think of doing an office job in India. The traffic, crowd, and pollution tire me out. But I might still go back for my aging parents just not for good."
Another did so in plain language "If you are able to save 30L in India, it is positively better even though you save $100k CAD (approximately 60L). It also varies according to the education you are going to get your children to achieve."
