February 9 2016, 13.47 PM IST || Pocket News Alert
· Non Resident Indians cite a variety of reasons for finding personal and professional fulfilment in Gulf Countries
· 60 per cent ranked safety as the principal reason for their sense of belonging and integration
Mumbai – February 09, 2016: A recent survey conducted by The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU) reaffirms that professionals from India residing in the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations feel secure, happy and fulfilled in their host countries, for a wide variety of reasons.
Of the 147 Non Resident Indians (NRIs) respondents who participated in the regional ‘My Yellow Brick Road’ survey, 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 right at home, because they were able to enjoy comfortable lifestyles. More than 40 per cent of NRIs respondents also found ‘peace of mind’.
With an average age of 29 years, the NRIs respondents to the survey said they had collectively 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 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.
One of the respondents, Aju Peter who works in Qatar’s capital Doha, says he is happy with his job as a taxi driver. “Through my job, I get to interact with different nationalities, and this has been a very interesting experience for me. Staying in Qatar has also made me feel at home, because I have peace of mind. Working in Qatar has helped me save money to pay for education, and I plan on staying here for another 2 years.”
On the professional front, a majority (73.7 per cent) of NRIs in the GCC view their job as being ‘very important’, while 66.5 per cent declared 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.
Manoj Kumar, a respondent who works in the retail sector in Muscat, Oman, explains this in his own words: “At work, I have trained and promoted my Omani colleagues at many levels in the store, and I always provide them with opportunities to grow. Some of them are now successful managers in other retail stores.”
According to Kiran Shetty, Western Union’s Managing Director & Regional Vice President for India and South Asia, the survey showcases deeply personal journeys of NRIs, as they shared stories of their work and life abroad – and their stories serve as inspiration for others. “The results of the ‘My Yellow Brick Road campaign’ embody the experiences and aspirations of migrant Indian professionals who go to the Gulf region in search of better prospects and better lifestyles. Over time, these host countries have not only helped them achieve many of their goals, but has also proven to be a true home to them. Their stories are truly inspirational.”
Shetty also emphasised the contributions made by Indians to their host countries. “Besides the overall happiness factor, they have a deep sense of belonging and take enormous pride in being there. Most respondents truly believe they are contributing to the growth of these countries - however small their efforts.”
“As a global payment services provider, Western Union continues to nurture meaningful relationships with migrant professionals, and the ‘My Yellow Brick Road’ survey adds another dimension to the company’s numerous efforts. This campaign and the associated survey are designed to appreciate and applaud the efforts of migrants, and further encourages them to achieve greater success on the personal and professional front.” Shetty said.
Encompassing the GCC states of Bahrain, Oman Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the survey was conducted in multiple languages through various physical and online channels over a six-month period.
Western Union’s ‘My Yellow Brick Road’ campaign derives its title from the popular children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, where the protagonist embarks on a magical journey travelling along a yellow brick road to achieve goals.
