Challenges Faced by NRIs in India’s Job Market
Faced with the realities of the Indian job market, a professional with an MBA from HEC Paris and a decade’s experience in Europe turned to Reddit to express his frustrations. Despite a successful career in AI and digital strategy as a senior manager in a German industrial firm, the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) has encountered significant obstacles in his attempt to re-enter the workforce in India.
The individual, who also possesses an engineering degree from a prestigious institution in Tamil Nadu, detailed his exhaustive job search over the past two years. He has applied for numerous managerial and senior positions within various industries, including industrial, tech, and start-ups. His applications, submitted through platforms such as LinkedIn, staffing agencies like Michael Page, and company websites, were accompanied by customised cover letters, yet he has not received a single response.
In his Reddit post, the NRI expressed, “Currently working as a senior manager focusing on AI and Digital strategy for an industrial company, I have applied to hundreds of jobs over the last two years, using platforms like LinkedIn and engaging with staffing agencies, but have not received a call back. What could be amiss?”
He observed that while he occasionally receives messages from recruiters and companies within the EU, he has seen no responses from employers based in India.
Discussion Around Hurdles for Returning NRIs
The Reddit discussion sparked a broad dialogue about the challenges that returning NRIs face, which range from perceptions of overqualification and cultural fit to a lack of local networks and different hiring practices.
One user remarked, “With PSG + HEC + 10 years of experience in Europe, why would you want to return to India and apply for managerial roles? If your academic background and work experience are indeed as impressive as stated, you should be aiming for VP or Associate Director positions in the Consulting, Automobile, or Pharmaceutical sectors. Major private players in heavy industries are few in India, such as Reliance and Adani. If I were in your position, I would seek similar senior roles in the Middle East, Singapore, or Australia instead of India.”
Another participant noted, “The current job market in India is not very favourable. It is common to apply for hundreds of positions without receiving a callback unless one gets exceptionally lucky. I hope this doesn’t discourage you.”
One commenter pointed out cultural differences, stating, “They often prefer candidates who fit within their rigid working expectations, viewing those of us with international experience as too ‘spoiled’ for Indian HR. Even a single NRI could disrupt a team trained to accept lower wages and maintain a low profile.”
Others encouraged him to explore entrepreneurship as an alternative: “Having saved some money, you might consider starting a business in India within your expertise. You could potentially engage European companies for outsourcing work and hire locally to manage the tasks. It would be prudent to secure at least one or two deals before returning to India from Germany.”