Many Indians move abroad looking for better jobs and opportunities, but not all stay away forever. Some are choosing to return home for family, lifestyle, and long-term stability. On such example is Leeba Subin, who recently moved back to Kerala from Dubai with her family.
In an Instagram post, she explained the reasons behind their return, highlighting how practical considerations and personal priorities guided the move. “This was not an impulsive decision,” Leeba said, adding, “It was about timing, alignment, and mental peace.”
The decision came when the family’s visa renewal in Dubai coincided with the renewal of their house rent. “That pause forced us to look at everything calmly, practically, and honestly together as a family, and especially as partners,” she explained. The overlap prompted the family to step back and consider what was best for them in the long term.
Education played a major role in the move. In Dubai, their child had to leave home by 6 am and travel nearly 90 minutes each day for school. In Kerala, they found an international-level school just three kilometres from their home, with a ten-minute commute and classes starting at 8:30 am. Leeba said this made daily life much easier and allowed the family to spend more time together.
The family also thought about their child’s long-term future. Many Indian families living abroad eventually send their children back to India after Class 10 or 12. By returning earlier, the woman believed their child would adjust more easily to local culture and education, making future decisions about higher studies smoother.
Housing and community were also important factors. The family had completed the construction of their villa in Kerala in 2021. Having their own home meant there was no rent to pay, which made the move simpler. Living in an independent house also restored everyday social connections, something they had missed while abroad.
Financial freedom was another key reason. Returning to India allowed the family to close their remaining home loan. “Today, we are in a no-debt, no-EMI situation. That mental freedom mattered more than we realised at the time,” she said.
Family proximity was an important consideration. Their parents, now in their 70s and 80s, live in India, and being closer to them felt “more like a privilege than a responsibility,” Leeba explained.
Work arrangements made the move feasible. Leeba co-founded an online business eight years ago, which allows her to work remotely. “India works just as well,” she said. Before moving, the family built an emergency fund covering six to seven months of expenses, obtained health insurance, began retirement planning, and maintained SIPs for their child’s education. “This is not a formula I’m sharing, it’s simply our reality,” Leeba said.
Leeba also emphasised that the decision was not about comparing countries. “Sometimes, the decision isn’t about where life looks better, but where it actually feels sustainable,” she said.
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