Indian-origin professionals living in the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations feel secure, happy and fulfilled in their host countries, according to a survey conducted by The Western Union Company. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman are the six GCC countries.
Of the 147 non-resident Indian (NRI) respondents who participated in the study, 60 per cent ranked safety as the principal reason for their sense of belonging and integration.
This was followed by 53.7 per cent for the comfort offered by friendships developed in their host countries, and another 53.7 per cent who said they felt at home, because they were able to enjoy comfortable lifestyles. More than 40 per cent of respondents also found ‘peace of mind’.
The average age of the respondents was 29 years, and they said they had achieved several goals, including personal savings (63.5 per cent), a better lifestyle (46.8 per cent), buying a home (40.6 per cent), and paying for education (37.2 per cent). Almost an equal number of respondents said working in the GCC had enabled them to establish their own business and pay off personal debts. Starting a family and being able to travel to new places were listed as other accomplishments.
The survey said that 73.7 per cent of NRIs in the GCC view their job as being “very important”, while 66.5 per cent affirmed that they ‘enjoy it’.
Many respondents said their jobs complement the host country’s progress and development by the roles they play in creating integrated community lifestyles, building infrastructure, educating future generations, and enabling the country realise its economic potential.
“The results… embody the experiences and aspirations of migrant Indian professionals who go to the Gulf region in search of better prospects and lifestyles. Over time, these host countries have not only helped them achieve many of their goals, but have also proven to be home to them,” said Kiran Shetty, Western Union’s Managing Director & Regional Vice President for India and South Asia.
The survey was conducted in multiple languages through physical and online channels over a six-month period.
Respondents cite savings, better lifestyles, home buying, education as prime factors
