Going abroad is not a new trend in Punjab. The relationship Punjabis have with foreign lands is more than a century old. Initially, people traveled abroad in search of employment, sometimes reaching different parts of the world during wartime. Later, the pursuit of education, jobs, business, and a better life further accelerated this trend. However, over the past few decades, the very meaning of moving abroad from Punjab has shifted. It is no longer just a pathway for employment or education; for many families, it has become a symbol of a better future, social success, and a new life. The question now is: how did this desire to go abroad become so deeply rooted among Punjabis, and why is a decline visible today?
When Did Punjabis Start Going Abroad?
The roots of migration from Punjab trace back to before independence. Many people from the state traveled to various parts of the British Empire in search of employment and better incomes. The demand for laborers for railways and other construction projects provided these opportunities.
During the First and Second World Wars, a large number of Punjabis served in the army, which further increased their contact with foreign countries. Many individuals stayed back after the wars, or their families joined them later. In a special conversation with Sadda Punjab, Dr. Kuldeep Singh, a researcher on Punjab migration, explained that this wave of moving abroad has taken different forms over time. In the initial phases, the primary driver was employment, while education, professional opportunities, and other factors were added later.
The Changing Trend After the Green Revolution
Following the Green Revolution, the agricultural and economic landscape of Punjab changed. Education expanded alongside this, and better salaries and opportunities abroad became a major attraction for doctors, engineers, and other professionals. The violence in Punjab during the 1980s and 1990s also altered the migration picture, with some people leaving for security reasons and seeking asylum abroad.
By the 1990s, another major form of migration emerged—going abroad through education. A model was solidified where a student would travel on a study visa, work while studying, and eventually hope to secure a work permit or Permanent Residency (PR).
Study Visas, IELTS, and the Entire Migration Economy
At one point, going abroad from Punjab was no longer just about securing a visa. An entire economy grew around it, comprising IELTS centers, consultancies, college selection, fee processing, documentation, and the cost of living abroad.
Satbir Singh, Managing Director of Goodwill Academy and an IELTS center operator, told Sadda Punjab that when he started his academy, there was immense enthusiasm among students and parents regarding studying abroad. According to him, alongside IELTS coaching, the academy also provided study-related support to students planning to move.
In this model, the IELTS exam became a crucial milestone. Meeting the language requirement, selecting a college and course, arranging funds, and securing a visa became a systematic, step-by-step pathway. Going abroad was no longer an individual’s decision; entire families began investing money, often viewing it as an “investment” that would yield future returns.
How Did Going Abroad Turn from a Dream to Social Pressure?
The motivation to go abroad varies for every young person. For some, it is better education; for others, a job, financial independence, or the influence of relatives and friends already living overseas. According to Satbir Singh’s experience, some students wanted to stand on their own feet and help their families financially, while others simply wanted to follow the path of their relatives or friends.
But there is another aspect: social comparison. If one family’s child goes abroad, the question often arises in neighboring families about when their child will go. From taking the IELTS exam to receiving the visa, the entire process is frequently tied to the family’s social status.
Explaining this socio-psychological aspect to Sadda Punjab, senior journalist Brish Bhan Bujarak noted that success stories of moving abroad have created an environment where going overseas is seen as an inherent mark of success. Consequently, the decision to go abroad is often no longer just a career choice, but becomes entangled with familial and societal expectations.
How Much Did Migration Increase in Rural Punjab?
This trend was not confined to cities; it expanded massively across Punjab’s villages. According to a study report by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), out of 9,492 families surveyed across 44 villages in 22 districts, roughly 13.34% of rural families had at least one member living abroad. The study tracked migration from 1990 to September 2022 and found a sharp spike after 2016, a period during which approximately 74% of the total migration was recorded.
The study also revealed that Canada was the top destination for Punjabis at 41.88%, followed by Dubai at 16.25% and Australia at 9.63%. These figures illustrate that going abroad had become a massive part of Punjab’s socio-economic fabric.
Why Did the Trend Suddenly Decline?
The pathway that many families viewed as a clear-cut opportunity just a few years ago has now become significantly more difficult. A major reason for this is the changing immigration policies of destination countries.
According to Satbir Singh, countries like Canada and Australia have tightened their immigration rules. Previously, students hoped to work part-time abroad to cover their remaining fees and living expenses, but financial conditions and other regulations have since become much stricter. Restrictions such as paying full tuition fees upfront and remaining tied to a designated college have made the route far more expensive for students.
He noted that the surge in migration also increased job competition abroad, and work hours or available jobs are no longer what they used to be. As a result, covering tuition and living expenses through part-time work has become difficult, forcing many families to send additional money from Punjab.
Leave a Comment