Why stay, why return: Mobility choices of Indian scientists and engineers

Roli Varma

Asian and Pacific Migration Journal2026https://doi.org/10.1177/01171968261416791article
ABDC C
Weight
0.50

What the paper says

This paper examines the factors motivating scientists and engineers to return to India after working in information technology and biotechnology companies in the United States of America (USA). Drawing on a qualitative study, the findings reveal that decisions to return are influenced by family considerations, career opportunities, entrepreneurial aspirations, challenges associated with immigration to the USA, and an affinity for Indian culture. Conversely, migrants who choose to remain in the USA cite superior career prospects, favorable work environments, and a high quality of life. Despite their differing choices, both returnees and stayers actively maintain transnational professional relationships with scientists and engineers in the USA and India, respectively, fostering connections across borders.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/01171968261416791

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@article{roli2026,
  title        = {{Why stay, why return: Mobility choices of Indian scientists and engineers}},
  author       = {Roli Varma},
  journal      = {Asian and Pacific Migration Journal},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/01171968261416791},
}

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Why stay, why return: Mobility choices of Indian scientists and engineers

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.