Visa uncertainty is also affecting employers, with 41 per cent of employees in Germany saying they would change jobs for better chances of working abroad
Indian professionals are changing how they plan global careers as visa rules become stricter and international mobility more complex, according to a new study by Indeed. Instead of moving abroad early in their careers, many are now building global exposure from India through skills training, international projects and remote work.
India continues to play a major role in global talent flows. The country has the world’s largest overseas community, with about 35.4 million non-resident Indians and people of Indian origin, based on foreign ministry data from May 2025. Indian nationals also receive more than 70 per cent of H-1B work visas in the United States, showing their strong presence in the global technology and professional workforce.
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The Indeed study, based on responses from 552 employers and 1,019 employees in India and overseas markets, shows a clear shift in approach
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Around 61 per cent of Indian professionals now prefer global remote roles instead of relocating, while 49 per cent say they would stay in India if their preferred visa route is unavailable
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However, interest in international careers remains strong, with 44 per cent still seeing overseas work as an important goal
Many professionals believe working abroad still offers advantages, especially early in their careers. About 51 per cent said overseas roles provide benefits that are hard to match locally. Yet only 15 per cent of respondents said they clearly understand visa rules, highlighting widespread uncertainty that is affecting career planning.
Sashi Kumar, managing director of Indeed India, said global careers are becoming less straightforward. Professionals are now focusing on building skills and experience first, and deciding later whether to move abroad.
Working on international projects from India has become the preferred way to gain global exposure, ahead of short-term overseas assignments or study programmes. Nearly 39 per cent of professionals are actively upskilling and networking for global opportunities, even without immediate plans to relocate.
Germany is emerging as the top alternative to the US, followed by Canada, the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Singapore.
