Surge in International Travel by Indians: Uber Report Highlights Trends and Challenges

Tourists and travellers from India have embraced international travel with newfound enthusiasm over the past two years, a recent report by ride-hailing platform Uber revealed on Wednesday.

According to the report, Indians visited nearly 1,000 cities across 68 countries, significantly broadening their travel horizons. Despite this diversity, their top destinations remained consistent, with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada leading the list.

The report highlighted the summer holiday period, when schools and colleges break, as the prime time for these adventures. Notably, May 2023 outpaced June 2022 as the most popular month for overseas travel, indicating a shift in vacation timing.

While abroad, Indians travelled longer distances, averaging 25 percent more distance than their trips back home. Their Uber journeys spanned 21 different products, from premium electric vehicles like Comfort Electric to multimodal transit options that integrate trains and other mass transit modes, alongside the ubiquitous UberX.

However, the enthusiasm for international travel comes with significant challenges, especially when it comes to securing visas and opportunities abroad.

Securing Employment Abroad

Finding a job abroad is increasingly challenging due to stringent criteria, including specific educational qualifications, relevant work experience, and travel history. Additionally, the type of passport is crucial; countries with strict labour laws may favour ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) passports over ECR (Emigration Check Required) ones.

The US H-1B visa program, popular among skilled workers, illustrates these challenges. With an annual cap of 65,000 visas, plus 20,000 for those with advanced US degrees, competition is intense, highlighting the difficulty of securing employment abroad.

Pursuing Education Abroad

Education visas come with their own set of hurdles. Applicants must demonstrate substantial financial backing, often exceeding 15 lakhs INR for studying in countries like Canada. This amount covers only basic expenses, excluding university tuition, accommodation, and other charges.

In 2021, Canadian universities hosted over 621,000 international students, reflecting the high demand for education abroad. Applicants must also prove financial stability, disclose assets, and provide detailed family information. This raises the question: if individuals had substantial funds, would they still leave their home country and loved ones in search of opportunities abroad?

Economic Tensions Impacting Employment

The Maldives was once a favoured destination for Indian workers due to minimal documentation requirements and affordability. However, recent economic tensions between India and the Maldives have changed this dynamic. Maldivian authorities now prefer workers from Bangladesh and Nepal, highlighting the volatile nature of international labour markets and the importance of staying informed about geopolitical developments.

Misconceptions About Immigration Consultants

A common misconception is that securing a visa is solely the responsibility of immigration consultants. While consultants prepare and submit documentation, ensure compliance with visa requirements, and facilitate the application process, the ultimate decision to approve or reject a visa lies with immigration officials.

Risks and Realities

Complexities and misunderstandings often lead to scams. Films like “Dunki” (2023) depict the extreme lengths individuals go to pursue their dreams, risking their lives on perilous routes to the USA, Canada, and the UK. Similarly, “Aadujeevitham” (The Goat Life) portrays a man’s aspirations to work in Dubai ending in deception and hardship.

In conclusion, while the dream of working, studying, or settling abroad is enticing, the path is fraught with challenges requiring thorough preparation and awareness of evolving international conditions.

Quote from a Visa Expert

“As a Visa Consultant, I believe the solution lies in countries adopting fewer travel criteria and eliminating mandatory proof of funds. Simplifying these processes would make international travel more accessible, while still maintaining security and integrity. Immigration policies should be stringent to ensure safety and compliance, but not so restrictive that they become insurmountable barriers or put individuals’ lives at risk. It’s essential to strike a balance where people’s aspirations are supported, and their well-being protected.” – Sonia Dilawar Bidiwala, Proprietor, Aspire Advisors