India's high tech revolution has jump-started both the Indian economy and a raging controversy in Europe and America about outsourcing, particularly in technology jobs. With highly educated, skilled high-tech professionals available at a much lower cost than in the West, India has become an attractive location for both back room and front office activities.

India is the seventh largest country in the world, with an area approximately one-third the size of the U.S. The world's second most populous country, India had more than a billion inhabitants at the turn of the 21st century. If current population growth trends continue, India's population is likely to surpass China's before mid-century.

HR consultants in India are receiving more and more inquiries from American and European managers, software professionals and others who want to work in India. According to HR consultants, foreign nationals are looking for mid-level and senior positions in India. Every week, they find at least one well-qualified foreigner looking for a job here.

The EU Trade Commissioner, Pascal Lamy, was quoted in mid-January as saying, "As of today, there is no obstacle on outsourcing of back office jobs and there is no EU policy putting obstacles on the same. But we could face pressure in the European Parliament and from trade unions if India does not open domains in legal services, distribution, telecom and accountancy."

With the mushrooming of BPO services and the sophistication in technology having reached desired levels of maturity, it is opportunities galore for those with 10-15 years experience in IT services abroad with pangs of homeland urging them to redeem their debt of honor. Foreign nationals are looking for mid-level and senior positions in India and the option to rid themselves of the sense of alienation on foreign soil and to be reunited with family and settle in their homeland along with the money almost matching their emoluments of the foreign soil is enough enticement for many Indians to relocate themselves.

In upcoming Lokvani newsletters we will take you through the necessary first steps towards managing relocation to India. We will be covering following areas:

• Visas
• Residency permits
• Taxes
• Social security
• Setting up a company

|