Global Careers Go Hybrid: Why More Indians Are Choosing Remote Roles Over Relocation

As global mobility becomes more complex, Indian professionals are fundamentally reshaping how they build international careers. A new study by Indeed India reveals a decisive shift - global exposure is no longer dependent on relocation alone. Six in 10 Indian professionals prefer remote global jobs rather than shift away from the country.

They use their skills for international projects and remote opportunities. India remains central to the global workforce movement.

According to the Foreign Ministry's May 2025 data, there are 35.4 million non-resident Indians (NRIs) and persons of Indian origin (PIOs). This is the world's largest overseas population. Their global footprint is huge.

At the same time, US immigration data shows that over 70% of all H-1B visas continue to go to Indian nationals, underscoring India's dominance in tech and professional talent pipelines.

Remote Global Work Rises As Relocation Becomes Harder

According to Indeed India, findings from 552 employers and 1,019 employees show a strategic shift:

• 61% of Indian professionals now prefer global remote roles over physically relocating abroad
• 49% say they would continue working from India if their desired visa pathway is blocked

Notably, the ambition has not faded - 44% still aspire to international careers. However, professionals are adjusting strategies to the new reality.

While some believe global careers can now be built entirely from India, 51% say working abroad still offers unique advantages, especially early in one's career as there is hope for more exposure to global leadership cultures.

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What has dramatically changed is certainty. Only 15% of professionals feel they clearly understand Visa rules. Lack of clarity is greatest among early and mid-career employees, for whom timing is crucial.

"Global careers haven't become less attractive, they've become less linear," says Sashi Kumar, MD of Indeed India. "What we're seeing is a shift from 'move first, build later' to 'prepare first, move later or not at all'. Skills, experience, and global exposure are increasingly being built before geography changes."

The study also notes that working on international projects from India now ranks above short-term overseas assignments or foreign education as the preferred route to global exposure.

Employers Feel The Churn

The changing landscape is affecting employers and organisations as well -

• 41% of employees would switch employers if it improved their chances of an overseas posting
• Visa uncertainty has become a retention risk, with mobility pathways now a key factor in employer choice

New Destinations Beyond USA

While the US still remains aspirational, nearly one-third of employers observe that professionals are shifting toward -

• Germany (47% preference - the strongest non-US option)
• Canada
• The UK
• Middle Eastern markets
• Singapore

This reflects both diversification of global ambitions and practical Visa considerations.

Indian professionals are still dreaming global, but they are pursuing those dreams differently. Mobility pathways may be tightening, but global career building is expanding inward, powered by skills, project-based exposure, and hybrid mobility models.

The geography of work is no longer the starting point - it is now just one piece of a much more flexible global career strategy.

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