Returning software professionals face a weaker domestic hiring market even as specialist recruiters help them rebuild careers in India
Indian technology professionals are increasingly returning to Hyderabad after losing jobs in the United States, with stricter immigration enforcement and continued uncertainty surrounding H-1B visas prompting many to abandon plans of remaining in America.
The trend has accelerated following layoffs across major US technology companies, leaving many skilled Indian workers with limited time to secure new employment before their visas expire. Under existing H-1B rules, most workers have a 60-day grace period to find another eligible employer or leave the country. For many families, returning to India has become the only practical option.
Industry observers say Hyderabad has emerged as a key destination for returning professionals because of its strong technology ecosystem and concentration of multinational companies. However, unlike previous years, overseas work experience no longer guarantees rapid recruitment or significantly higher salaries, as hiring in India’s IT sector has slowed amid global economic uncertainty.
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The growing number of returnees has created demand for specialist consultants who assist professionals with relocation, salary expectations, interview preparation and reconnecting with India’s evolving job market
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Many returnees have spent years abroad and require guidance on recruitment practices, compensation trends and networking opportunities in India
According to technology talent consultancy Xpheno, more than 15,000 Indian IT professionals returned from the US during 2025. The trend has continued in 2026, with around 7,300 professionals returning by June, suggesting that visa-related uncertainty remains a significant factor influencing career decisions.
Experts believe the reverse migration could continue if US immigration policies remain restrictive and global technology firms maintain cautious hiring strategies. While India’s technology sector still offers opportunities, returning professionals are increasingly finding that securing suitable employment requires patience, flexibility and realistic salary expectations rather than relying solely on international experience.
