Why are the rich leaving India, where are they headed? - The Economic Times


https://m.economictimes.com/nri/migrate/why-are-the-rich-leaving-in...

As part of a global trend topped by China and the UK, a large number of rich are leaving India. A recent survey by Kotak Private, a leading wealth manager, in association with consultancy EY, shows that a significant number of the rich are leaving India. At least 22 per cent super rich Indians wish to leave the country due to factors like living conditions here, better standard of life abroad and also easier business environment in other countries, the survey of 150 ultra high net worth individuals (UHNIs) said.

There were 2.83 lakh Indians who can be tagged as UHNIs in 2023, with each having a net worth of over Rs 25 crore and their aggregate wealth was pegged at Rs 2.83 lakh crore. The same is expected to grow to 4.3 lakh individuals possessing a wealth of Rs 359 lakh crore by 2028, as per the survey.

Kotak Mahindra Bank's president Gautami Gavankar, however, said the decision to migrate should not be seen as a flight of capital out of the country, pointing out that the caps on such activities ensure that the money does not flow out even if a person changes residency.

A report by Henley & Partners last year said that millionaire migration out of India is showing signs of slowing down. While a projected 4,300 high net-worth individuals (HNIs) were still expected to leave in 2024, this number was a significant decrease compared to previous years.

India, which has historically seen higher numbers of wealth exodus, was expected to experience a decline in HNWI migration in 2024 compared to the 5,100 in 2023, which was again lower than the net outflows of 7,500 individuals in 2022, as per the report. When lots of rich folks start moving out, it might suggest the economy is on its way to taking a nosedive. And this is probably why the projected decline in millionaire migration out of India could be a positive sign. While the country is still losing wealthy individuals, the slowdown suggests a potential improvement in the factors that were driving them away in the first place.

Traditionally, factors like low taxes, economic opportunities, and political stability were the biggest draws for migrating millionaires. However, the Henley & Partners 2024 report said that priorities are evolving. Quality of life, educational opportunities for children, and resilience to climate change are now equally important considerations. Additionally, the ability to protect wealth for future generations is a growing concern.

As per the Kotak Private survey, the super rich leaving India seek improved standard of living, healthcare solutions, education or lifestyle, adding that over two-thirds said smoothening of business operations is a key driver for them. Calling the migration decision as an "investment in the future", the survey also said that pursuit of excellent higher education for their children leads them to make the choice.

The survey said the professionals show a higher propensity to migrate than the entrepreneurs or inheritors, while from an age group perspective, it is UHINs in the 36-40 years and above 61 years who are more keen to migrate.

Where are the rich from India and other countries headed?
As is the case with many millionaires in other countries, Indians seem to be preferring the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has a zero income tax policy for individuals, and it levies just a 5 per cent value-added Tax on the purchase of goods and services, making it a top destination for millionaires with a projected inflow of a staggering 6,700 HNIs in 2024. Other popular choices include Australia, Singapore, the US, and Switzerland. These countries offer a combination of factors that are increasingly important to the wealthy: political stability, low taxes, excellent education systems, and a higher quality of life.

Canadian man asked to choose between India and Pakistan for better hospitality. He picked Pakistan | Trending - Hindustan Times


https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/india-vs-pakistan-canadian-...

India vs Pakistan
Instagram user @officialnamour, known for his vox pop videos, recently stopped Canadian traveller Nolan Saumure to ask him about his opinion on desi hospitality.
“India or Pakistan, which country has better hospitality?” Saumure was asked.
“Pakistan, obviously,” the Canadian man replied.
Asked to explain why he picked Pakistan, Saumure said that Indians tend to treat foreigners like lucrative customers with an endless amount of money, rather than guests visiting their country. Pakistanis, on the other hand, display warm hospitality, asking tourists to share their food and even their homes.
“You go to India and people just look at you as a walking ATM,” said Saumure. “You go to Pakistan and people are just like, ‘Oh come here, sit. Take this free food. Oh come sleep at my place.’”

Ashok Swain
@ashoswai
If India has become a land of milk and honey under Modi’s 11years of rule, why Indians, mostly Gujaratis, ‘using’ their kids to flee to the United States?

https://x.com/ashoswai/status/1916887838291067061

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Indian migrants are 'abandoning' their minor children at US borders - Here's why - World News | The Financial Express

https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/indian-migrants-are-aba...

The horrifying trend has gained momentum in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic --- with data showing that at least 77 unaccompanied minors were apprehended by border security between October 2024 and February 2025 (Photo: AP)
An increasing number of Indian children have been found ‘abandoned’ at the US borders in recent years by families hoping to score green cards. The horrifying trend has gained momentum in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic — with data showing that at least 77 unaccompanied minors were apprehended by border security between October 2024 and February 2025. Meanwhile the Donald Trump-administration is reportedly planning to seek out unaccompanied immigrant children to deport or prosecute them amid a sweeping crackdown on immigration.

According to a Times of India report, several Gujarati families have admitted to following this route of deliberate abandonment in order to secure green cards. A notable case cited by the publication pertained to a couple from Mehsana where the father (a lawyer) shared how he and his wife had moved to Atlanta illegally amid the pandemic — leaving their two-year-old son in India. Three years later the toddler was brought to the US by a cousin (also travelling illegally) and abandoned at the border near Texas with only a note outlining contact details.

In most cases the children are somewhat older — ranging from 12 to 17 — and find themselves abandoned at the US-Mexico border. Official data indicates that 22 children (out of 77) were caught taking the difficult route via Canada while a few others were intercepted within the country. The children act like ‘green cards’ — creating an opportunity for the parents to seek refuge on ‘humanitarian grounds’.


“I knew they were not going to be in danger. They were with my friends and relatives…and they were ultimately going to be in the custody of US law agencies….We can’t wait till our kids complete their studies in India and then opt for legal ways to enter the US. If they are there already when they are young, they can complete their studies, find a job and earn decent money,” a man from Gujarat told ToI.

But as the Trump administration continues to harden its stance on migration, such children might soon face deportation or criminal cases. According to report by The Guardian, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials may now be seeking out unaccompanied immigrant children across the US for such reasons while conducting ‘welfare visits’. Legal advice provided to unaccompanied minors has also been slashed this year — with funds not flowing despite court intervention. The federal agency monitoring unaccompanied immigrant children has also reportedly begun sharing sensitive data with ICE.