A Redditor who lived in the US for 12 years abruptly decided to return to India in 2025 due to their mother's health issues. In a detailed post, they shared the challenges faced during the transition and the realization that they do not wish to settle permanently in India.
The Abrupt Decision
The Redditor recalled, 'I took the decision to return quite abruptly. I remember my father telling me about my mother's health issues and I was so overwhelmed with sadness that I booked my return ticket on Feb 15, 2025 and 3 months later, I was in India.' In hindsight, they admitted that planning the move in advance would have been beneficial, especially regarding financial and legal matters. 'My initial thought was to hire a CA after returning to India - I should have hired a CA before returning to India. I also came to know about several forms such as W8BEN which one needs to file with US banks after returning to India,' they added.
Challenges After Arrival
Upon landing in India, the Redditor faced several bureaucratic hurdles. 'I was fortunate enough to find a job within 2 weeks of landing here. But it took me 6 months to get my Aadhaar (my payroll was initially frozen due to no Aadhaar) and I got it only after meeting with a BLO officer,' the post stated. These delays are common for returnees who have been away for extended periods.
Mixed Feelings and Future Plans
Despite the initial relief of being with family, the Redditor's perspective shifted over time. 'My mother has recovered now completely. I am glad I was there for her when she needed me the most. But now that I have spent a year in India, I have realized something: I do not want to live in India permanently. I am once again applying to jobs overseas (not US but elsewhere),' they revealed. This sentiment resonated with many social media users who shared their own mixed experiences of moving back to India, with several expressing interest in exploring Europe or Australia as alternatives.
Lessons for Prospective Returnees
The Reddit discussion highlighted several key takeaways for NRIs considering a return: plan financial and legal matters in advance, understand the documentation required (such as Aadhaar and tax forms), and be prepared for potential adjustment challenges. The post serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing that while returning for family is commendable, permanent settlement may not suit everyone.
