Indians among most eager to go abroad

According to an online poll by global research company Ipsos, 28% of employees in India have a strong desire to go abroad for a full-time job and another 39 percent would "consider" the option. The survey asked employees in 24 countries to consider the opportunity of a full-time job available in another country at least three to five hours away by plane for two or three years with a minimum 10% increase in pay. Globally, only 19% of the employees were willing to shift abroad. Not surprisingly, the poll found a higher willingness among those who were categorized as low income, with 32% willing to relocate compared to the 19% average. Similarly, those with low education were also more willing, at 31%. Men were also more willing, on a global scale, at 29% compared to the blended average of 19% for men and women. Those based in Sweden (6%), United States (9%), Australia and Canada (10%) were the least inclined to shift out of their country. On the other hand, those most willing to shift are from Mexico (34%), followed by Brazil (32%), Russia (31%), Turkey (31%), India (28%) and Saudi Arabia (27%). In most other countries (including Mexico, Brazil etc.), people are more willing to shift to a new city within the country rather than shift out. For example, 34% Mexicans were willing to shift abroad, while 44% were willing to shift to a new city. Similarly, 32% Brazilians were willing to shift abroad, but 40% were willing to shift within the country for the same benefits. “It is interesting to observe that employees from developed countries like Sweden, USA, Australia, Canada, Belgium, Germany, Japan, Great Britain, and France are least likely to relocate compared to employees in developing countries like Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Turkey and India,” said Biswarup Banerjee, Head of Marketing Communications, Ipsos in India. “This clearly indicates that employees in developed countries still believe their national economy will rebound strongly and provide them enough good job opportunities to grow in future,” added Banerjee. Globally, 30% said they are ‘somewhat likely’ to go abroad, 25% are ‘not very likely’ and 26% said they are ‘not at all likely.’ Prashant Duggal 6 Feb 2012