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The allure of a life beyond the borders of one's nation has always been a potent force, driving migrations across continents and shaping the course of human history. While the motivations behind such movements are often complex and multifaceted, a common thread weaves through these narratives: the pursuit of a better life, a life imbued with opportunities, stability, and a sense of belonging. In contemporary India, this age-old narrative is playing out once again, as a growing number of its citizens, particularly those from the ranks of its economic elite, are choosing to seek their fortunes elsewhere. The recent introduction of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Golden Visa program has further amplified this trend, serving as a compelling invitation to Indian professionals and entrepreneurs to establish roots in a land where governance is predictable, regulatory hurdles are minimal, and individual initiative is rewarded with institutional support. This phenomenon raises profound questions about the state of affairs in India, prompting a critical examination of the factors that are driving its most productive citizens to seek permanence abroad.
The author begins by highlighting a sentiment prevalent among India's business circles: London as the summer capital for Indian wealth creators and Dubai as its commercial hub. This isn't just about seasonal getaways or business ventures; it's about accessing a functioning, civilized urban existence, characterized by order, predictability, and freedom from systemic friction. The UAE's Golden Visa, with its relatively affordable cost of AED 100,000 (approximately Rs 23 lakh), emerges as an attractive proposition. Unlike conventional residency requirements that involve substantial real estate investments or capital deployment, this visa offers lifetime residency to eligible Indian citizens. The strategic intent is clear: the UAE aims to position itself as a hub for globally mobile talent, fostering an ecosystem that attracts capacity, credibility, and wealth. This resonates deeply with India's expanding upper-middle class, including salaried professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital economy founders, for whom the cost is comparable to a mid-range SUV or luxury car, or even less than permanent car parking in Mumbai. The absence of regulatory clarity and institutional understanding in emerging sectors like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing in India further accelerates this trend, driving younger talent towards geographies that offer legal certainty, access to capital, and vibrant peer ecosystems. The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024 estimates a significant outflow of Indian millionaires, with projections indicating over 4,300 relocations this year alone, following 5,100 in 2023. Government data reveals that over 1.6 million Indians have renounced their citizenship since 2011, with a notable surge in recent years. Kotak Private's findings, in collaboration with EY, underscore that nearly a quarter of India's ultra-high-net-worth individuals are actively exploring international relocation. These numbers paint a stark picture of a nation grappling with an exodus of its most valuable assets.
The article emphasizes that many of these individuals are the very ones who fueled India's economic growth through risk-taking, innovation, and private sector investment. Their decision to seek residency overseas signifies a breakdown in the incentives that once made staying in India worthwhile. The UAE's approach offers a stark contrast. Through deliberate policy design, it has cultivated an environment where governance is predictable, regulatory burdens are light, and individual initiative is met with institutional coherence. This has transformed the UAE into a magnet for global professionals and entrepreneurs seeking a system that supports aspiration. It serves as a crucial lesson for nations: systems that prioritize efficiency and dignity will increasingly win the competition for mobile human capital. The Dubai Golden Visa program, therefore, becomes more than just a residency permit; it becomes a symbol of aspiration, a testament to the allure of a life where one's efforts are recognized and rewarded, where the fruits of one's labor are not diminished by bureaucratic hurdles or systemic inefficiencies.
The author advocates for India to view this emigration trend as a strategic inflection point. The decision of its citizens to seek permanence abroad should not be dismissed as anecdotal or vilified as unpatriotic. Instead, it should be carefully studied, understood, and addressed. If India fails to strengthen its capacity to offer a dignified, efficient, and enabling life to its own citizens, the silent vote of exit will only intensify. This necessitates significant investments in core civic infrastructure, the creation of livable cities, a more predictable tax and business environment, the reform of public institutions, and a governing culture that values competence and rewards initiative. Above all, it requires a fundamental shift in how the Indian state perceives its relationship with its most productive citizens – as stakeholders to be retained. Failure to address these issues could have far-reaching consequences, far more consequential than the current migration numbers suggest. The implication is that the Indian state must fundamentally re-evaluate its compact with its citizens, fostering an environment that not only encourages economic growth but also provides a sense of security, dignity, and opportunity for all. This requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing improvements in infrastructure, governance, and the overall quality of life.
The pursuit of a better life is a fundamental human aspiration, and governments must strive to create environments that enable their citizens to fulfill this aspiration within their own borders. The outflow of talent and capital is a symptom of underlying issues that need to be addressed urgently. By fostering a more supportive and enabling environment, India can retain its most valuable assets and ensure a brighter future for all its citizens. The message is clear: India must act decisively to address the concerns of its citizens and create an environment that fosters innovation, opportunity, and a sense of belonging. The Dubai Golden Visa serves as a wake-up call, urging India to confront its challenges and reaffirm its commitment to providing a dignified and prosperous life for all its people. Ignoring this call could have dire consequences, potentially undermining India's long-term economic prospects and societal well-being. The challenge is to create a society where its citizens choose to stay, not because they are forced to, but because they genuinely believe that their future lies within its borders. This requires a concerted effort to address the underlying issues that are driving emigration, creating a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The choice is India's to make.
Source: Dubai offers a Golden Visa: Indians will take it because India can’t offer a good life