Indians working in GCC countries are a happy lot: Survey

Mumbai, Feb 8: Most Indians working in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations feel secure in their host countries and are able to enjoy comfortable lifestyles, according to a survey.

"Professionals from India residing in the GCC nations feel secure, happy and fulfilled in their host countries," said the survey, 'My Yellow Brick Road', conducted by the Western Union Company, a financial services firm.

The survey, covering GCC member-states Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, was conducted in multiple languages through various physical and online channels over a six-month period.

Of the 147 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who took part in the 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 said they felt right at home because they were able to enjoy comfortable lifestyles.

More than 40 per cent of NRIs respondents also felt 'peace of mind'.

With an average age of 29, the NRI respondents said they had collectively achieved several goals, including personal savings (63.5%), a better lifestyle (46.8%), buying a home (40.6%) and paying for education (37.2%).

Almost an 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, the survey found.

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.

"The survey embodies 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 also proven to be a true home to them," Western Union Managing Director and Regional Vice-President (India & South Asia) Kiran Shetty said.