Is It Worth Leaving India for a Better Life?

Summary

The video discusses various migration pathways to countries like Japan, Dubai, the UK, and Australia, focusing on visa processes, challenges, and lifestyle insights. The speaker shares personal experiences with the Japanese Highly Skilled Visa, Dubai’s business and employee visas, and the route to the UK and Australia via Masters programs. Key advice includes the importance of technical skills for Japan, navigating the complexities of visas in Dubai, and the post-graduation opportunities in the UK and Australia. The speaker also suggests exploring the US with a B1/B2 visa for flexibility in travel and work.

Takeaways

• 😀 Moving to Japan requires securing either an engineer visa or a highly skilled visa, with the latter offering better flexibility and higher salary potential for individuals with strong technical skills and a background in Japanese.
• 😀 The highly skilled visa in Japan has specific salary requirements (around 30-35 lakhs per year) and requires qualifications such as Japanese language proficiency and a proven technical background.
• 😀 Japan has a significant shortage of technical talent, so even moderate engineers may find it easier to secure a job there compared to other countries.
• 😀 The cost of living in Japan is moderate, with rent typically consuming 1/4 of the salary, and salaries are paid in yen, which depreciates quickly against other currencies.
• 😀 Dubai offers two primary paths for immigration: setting up your own business (which is expensive) or moving to the country with a company-provided visa.
• 😀 Dubai's visa process is relatively straightforward once you're in the country, but the cost of living can be high, and the city has an empty, sometimes desolate feel due to its rapid urbanization.
• 😀 Salaries in Dubai are comparable to those in Indian cities like Bangalore or Delhi, but they may not be significantly higher, especially for entry-level positions.
• 😀 The UK and Australia provide postgraduate students with visa extensions after graduation (2 years in the UK, 2-4 years in Australia), allowing them time to find a job and settle in the country.
• 😀 The master's route to immigration in the UK and Australia can be a viable option for students who are willing to invest a significant amount of money (up to $100k for 2 years), with the hope of finding a job afterwards.
• 😀 The US offers the B1/B2 visa for easy entry and exit, but those seeking work opportunities may aim for the more challenging O-1 visa, which requires demonstrating extraordinary abilities in a field.
• 😀 For those not looking to take a huge risk, pursuing a master's degree in a country like the UK or Australia provides a clear and structured pathway to immigration and employment, though it requires substantial financial investment.

Q & A

What is the difference between the Highly Skilled Visa and the Engineer Visa for Japan?

The Highly Skilled Visa is for professionals with a high level of expertise and higher salary expectations, offering more benefits like a clear pathway to citizenship. In contrast, the Engineer Visa is for engineers and technical workers but may not provide the same level of flexibility or benefits as the Highly Skilled Visa.

How does one qualify for the Highly Skilled Visa in Japan?

To qualify for the Highly Skilled Visa, you need a strong educational background, work experience, and a higher salary (around 30-35 lakh INR per year). Proficiency in Japanese (especially passing the N2 exam) and having an IIT tag can earn additional points, increasing your chances.

Can you switch jobs with a Highly Skilled Visa in Japan?

Yes, you can switch jobs with a Highly Skilled Visa, but the new employer will have to go through the visa application process again.

What are the challenges in moving to Japan for work?

The challenges mainly revolve around securing a job and navigating the visa process. While the Highly Skilled Visa is less difficult to get if you have the right qualifications and experience, the process can still be lengthy and require substantial documentation.

How does the salary in Japan compare to that in India for tech professionals?

The starting salary in Japan is often around 30-40 lakh INR, which is somewhat similar to India, but the cost of living is higher, especially in cities like Tokyo. Salaries in Japan are typically paid in yen, which can depreciate faster than other currencies.

What are the main differences in the work culture between Japan and India for tech professionals?

In Japan, the work culture is known for being highly polite and structured. There is a notable lack of technical talent, which can make it easier to get hired compared to India. However, the salaries might not be as high as in India, and the lifestyle can be different, especially with the language barrier.

What is the cost of living like in Japan for expatriates?

The cost of living in Japan can be expensive, especially in cities like Tokyo. Rent can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per month, depending on the location and apartment type. While taxes are not too high, expatriates should be prepared for a high cost of living in general.

What are the visa options to move to Dubai for work?

There are two main options for moving to Dubai: one is to set up your own business and get a visa for yourself and your family; the other is to secure a job with a company that sponsors your visa. Setting up a business requires a significant investment (around 12-20 lakh INR), while an employee visa is easier but may not always be prestigious.

What is the process for obtaining a visa as an employee in Dubai?

To obtain a visa as an employee in Dubai, you would need to be sponsored by a company. The company will handle the visa process, which typically includes entering Dubai, going through a medical check, and submitting documents to immigration. Once approved, you receive your Emirati ID.

How does the lifestyle in Dubai compare to India for expatriates?

Dubai offers a similar lifestyle to India, especially with the large Indian expatriate community. Many people speak Hindi, and there's a strong Indian food culture. However, the weather can be extreme, and the city may feel somewhat empty at times due to the wide spacing of buildings.

What is the immigration route to the UK for international students?

International students can pursue a master's degree in the UK and then stay for up to two additional years with work rights through the post-graduation visa. After that, they can transition to a work visa if a company hires them and sponsors their employment visa.

Is pursuing a master's degree a viable immigration route for the UK and Australia?

Yes, pursuing a master's degree in the UK or Australia can be a viable route for immigration. After graduation, students can stay for 2-4 years depending on the country and their job prospects. This period allows graduates to build their career and potentially transition to a work visa.

What is the cost of studying for a master's degree in the UK and Australia?

The cost of studying for a master's degree in the UK or Australia can range from $20,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the university and the scholarship. Additional living expenses could bring the total cost up to around $100,000 for two years.

What is the route for moving to the US on an O1 visa?

The O1 visa is a work visa for individuals with extraordinary skills in their field. While it is difficult to obtain, it can be a pathway to move to the US. The process involves proving extraordinary ability through achievements and getting a job offer from a company that can sponsor the visa.

What is the advantage of having a B1/B2 visa for the US?

The B1/B2 visa is a visitor visa that allows for short-term stays in the US. It is beneficial for networking, attending conferences, or simply visiting the US for a few months. Although it does not allow work, it is a good option for people wanting to explore opportunities in the US without committing to a long-term visa.