In the hope of getting a quality education and getting high-paying international job opportunities, many Indians migrate from their country. Favourable European conditions (prestigious educational institutions and a stable economy) contribute to increased emigrants. In addition, with expatriate work experience in Europe, you can regularly transfer funds to your needy relatives in India.
Reasons for Indian migration to EU countries
Indian professionals in Europe have reasons for moving to one of the European countries. But as a rule, the majority migrate for employment. Considering that the Indian workforce in Europe significantly exceeds earnings in their native country, Indians are given the opportunity to substantially improve their standard of living and that of their relatives.
In addition, Indian talent in Europe has the opportunity to study and work at the same time. The presence of well-developed infrastructure and innovative technologies, particularly banking and financial providers, ensure hassle-free money transfers (you can send cash online, exchange money, and support your family). Having found a worthy expatriate work experience in Europe, you can begin obtaining a residence permit, and after a few years, you can already get a permanent residence permit.
What to pay attention to when moving?
When migrating to one of the European countries, Indians should pay attention to the following aspects:
- Study the job market for Indian experts.
- Living conditions: the prospect of citizenship, availability of social benefits, and conditions of medical care.
- Requirements for employment for Indian expats in Europe. The availability of appropriate education, professional skills, the opportunity to earn money remotely, lack of a criminal record, and much more.
- Which specialities are in greater demand in a given state?
- Unemployment rate. If unemployment exceeds 7%, finding a decent job will be difficult (the acceptable level is no more than 5%).
- How much will accommodation cost: each European country will have different financial costs for living, so you need to inquire about this issue in advance. People will only benefit from affordable accommodation if finding a high-paying job is possible.
In addition, there are other aspects, for example, the ability to make money transfers to India with minimal withholding (service fees and currency exchange rates) and reasonably quickly. Many Indian professionals in Europe may be quite concerned about this issue because providing timely financial assistance to your loved ones is essential.
What problems can you encounter when getting a job?
Of course, finding a job for professionals from India in European companies will improve your well-being and make a career. But for your job search to be successful, you need to overcome some difficulties.
Knowledge of the state language
For working in foreign countries, the first thing an Indian will have to face when moving to a European country is the language barrier. To start searching for the Indian workforce in Europe, you first need to know the local language, at least at an intermediate level. However, after employment, learning the language thoroughly and obtaining the appropriate certificate of proficiency in the state language is recommended. It will be advantageous if professionals from India in European companies want higher salaries. There are companies where it is enough to know English; as a rule, these are programmers and other professions in the IT industry.
Search vacancies
For effective employment for Indian expats in Europe, it is necessary to use several channels: professional networks in Europe, official government employment platforms, company websites with lists of required professions, and private employment websites (recruitment agencies). However, it is essential to study multinational career paths in detail and pay more attention to the job market for Indian expats.
To make it more convenient to search for employment abroad for Indians, it is recommended to use the advanced search. You can set criteria: age, preferred salary, working conditions, skill level, etc. Having found career opportunities in EU, it is better to send a well-written resume with a detailed description of the positions held and functions performed.
Is it possible to work and study at the same time?
One of the most important cultural challenges at work is the need for more time. Unfortunately, choosing a full schedule at work or in education would be best. For example, there will be other options than receiving an education and being fully employed at work. Therefore, it is better to decide on priorities in advance. Moreover, each European state has its own permissible weekly hour standards when combining work and study, which makes it possible for Indian professionals in Europe to receive expatriate work experiences and higher education.
Presence of fraud
The job market for Indian expats is filled with scammers. Many believe the job market for Indians abroad (especially in Europe) is minimal, but this does not mean it is absent. Almost every recruiting agency charges a fee for finding a job. But there is no need to rush into payment until everything about the employer and the real prospect of employment has been reliably clarified. If the employment company needs to be more precise and more accurate, consider its competence and reliability.
Only a work visa will allow you to enter a European country
If the goal is employment, Indian professionals in Europe can join one of the countries only if they have a work visa and the required package of documents. You will receive this after passing an interview with the employer and his subsequent official call.
High competition
Even highly qualified Indian talent in Europe must be prepared to face intense competition in the labour market, not only among the local population but also among emigrants from other countries. Often, an employer can choose an employee from several applicants. Therefore, it is better to prepare thoroughly for the interview and test; then, you can get career development for expats.
We have listed the main things Indian professionals in Europe may encounter when looking for work in different countries.
What do you need to get a visa?
Since one of the main points for moving to a European country is having a work visa, we will discuss this issue in more detail. To obtain a work visa, you must apply to its case. It is possible after passing an interview with the employer and receiving an official call to work from him. All this must be done before arriving in the Schengen zone. Since there is no Schengen work visa, a state employment visa is issued by one of the countries in the Schengen zone.
What needs to be done to obtain a work visa and successful employment in a European country with a skilled Indian workforce:
- fill out the application form for a work visa; it is provided in 2 copies;
- take two photographs (no more than three months old);
- provide a passport (ID must be valid);
- obtain medical insurance;
- a certificate confirming the address where the Indian will live (agreement for a rented apartment or house);
- a signed employment contract with the company for which the Indian will work.
To obtain a work visa, you must pay approximately 200-600 euros, sometimes more. The cost will depend on the specific state where the Indian is moving. It is also essential to inquire in advance about all the requirements for successful relocation and employment: the package of necessary documents must be complete and drawn up by existing rules.
Advantages of employment in Europe and in-demand professions
Moving to one of the European countries and successful employment has many of the following benefits:
- professional development in Europe;
- easy to find a decent, well-paid job;
- improve living standards;
- the opportunity to financially help relatives;
- travel without a visa to all EU countries;
- while working, get a prestigious education, diplomas of which are valued all over the world;
- working for a European company to gain high-quality skills alongside experienced local specialists;
- ensure career growth;
- there is a prospect of obtaining citizenship in 5-10 years, depending on the state and various conditions.
Numerous success stories of Indian expatriates confirm the above advantages. If an Indian has the appropriate qualifications, finding a prestigious job will not be difficult. It is because qualified specialists are highly valued in Europe. Let’s list the most popular professions in European countries: medical workers, software engineers, mechanical engineers, architects, chemists, biologists, and lawyers. If an Indian is a first-year student, he will also be able to find a job, but less paid due to the lack of education and practical experience.
Conclusion
Integrating with the European workforce is not easy, but it is possible. Especially if an Indian has a specific goal and desire to find a job with a decent salary, if you already have the appropriate speciality and skill level, then finding an appointment will be much easier. The main thing to remember is the competition and the high demands that employers will make. But if these difficulties do not frighten you, employment in one of the European countries will provide an excellent start to career growth and decent wages. It will allow you to save financially and help your relatives remain in India.
Perhaps you know a lot of success stories of Indian expatriates. They could be possible only if you show yourself from the best side to the employer, and further extending the employment contract will enable the Indian to obtain a residence permit, then permanent residence, and subsequently citizenship. Living in Europe will be comfortable, given the stable economy, high-quality medical care, relaxing areas, and low crime rates. These favourable conditions attract people to emigrate from India to one of the EU countries.