Indian Tech Returnees Hit By Pay Cuts, Job Scarcity

The survey, conducted among verified tech workers on the anonymous networking platform Blind, found that 51% of respondents reported a decline in available job opportunities in India. The trend is largely attributed to a wave of reverse migration, as Indian professionals who had moved to the United States on work visas are now returning home.

Respondents cited increased competition for senior roles, with many returnees bringing US experience and expecting higher salaries, which has led to pay cuts for some local hires. The survey also indicated that a significant portion of returnees are facing longer job search periods than anticipated, with some accepting positions below their previous compensation levels.

The findings highlight a shifting dynamic in India's tech labor market, where the influx of experienced professionals is reshaping hiring practices. Companies are reportedly leveraging the larger talent pool to negotiate lower salaries, particularly for mid-level and senior positions, a reversal from the pre-pandemic era when Indian tech firms struggled to fill such roles.

Blind's data, collected from its user base of verified professionals, offers a snapshot of sentiment among India's tech workforce. While the survey does not specify exact salary reduction percentages, it notes that a majority of respondents believe the pay gap between US and India roles is narrowing, partly due to the increased supply of talent.

The trend comes as US immigration policies and layoffs in the tech sector have prompted more Indian nationals to consider returning home, a shift that is expected to continue influencing India's job market in the coming years.