20 June 2008

US, UK and Canada in top 10 for Indian emigration

A growing number of well-educated Indians are emigrating and choosing the US, the UK and Canada as their top destinations, it has been claimed. The Indian diaspora is estimated to be about 20 billion, and they sent approximately $27.1 billion (£13.7 billion) in remittances back to India in 2006-07, the Times of India reports.

According to the news provider, experts say that one of the factors boosting American immigration from India is its "softer" immigration laws compared to other countries and many people are also swayed by the attractive economic opportunities the country offers. The newspaper also suggested that the Indian government is eager to address the needs and interests of the growing number of emigrants from the country by setting up initiatives such as a welfare fund for workers in foreign countries. In related news, those considering Canadian immigration from India will be able to seek advice from Scotiabank as a result of its recent agreement to work with Indian bank HDFC.

Anyone applying for a Canadian visa should begin by taking Visa Bureau’s online assessment to see if they meet the basic legislative requirements.