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Introduction
Have you ever thought about what might happen if your current country no longer feels right for you? Maybe it’s due to political unrest, economic troubles, safety concerns, or just a drop in quality of life.
If that thought has crossed your mind even once—you’re not alone.
Let’s talk openly about something people don’t often discuss: why we all need a backup country.
Whether you’re an NRI living in the US, Canada, or Europe—or a successful Indian living in India—it’s becoming more important than ever to plan ahead for your family’s safety, comfort, and future.
And when it comes to choosing the right place, Dubai could be one of the smartest choices you can make.
Don’t let reading hold you back, Watch our video instead
The World Is Changing—And Fast
In the past few years, the world has changed rapidly. Politics are unstable, economies are struggling, and social tensions are rising.
Take the US as an example. With Donald Trump back in power, things are once again getting tense and divided. Whether or not you support him, the country is clearly going through a lot of uncertainty.
And this isn’t just about America. Many other Western countries are also facing similar issues. When jobs disappear and the economy slows down, immigrants often get blamed—especially those who are successful or earning well.
Why Migrants Often Get Blamed
We’ve seen this before. As manufacturing declines in the West and countries like China rise with cheaper, better products, local businesses suffer. Western companies are losing ground in sectors like cars, electronics, and more.
When that happens, people look for someone to blame. Often, that blame falls on immigrants—people seen as “taking jobs” or “changing the culture.”
Even if you’re doing everything legally and contributing to the economy, you might still be viewed with suspicion. And that’s risky—not just for you, but for your family too.
Why Not Just Come Back to India?
That’s a fair question. If things go wrong in your adopted country, shouldn’t India be your fallback?
In theory, yes. But in reality, it’s not that simple.
If you’ve lived abroad for 20 or 30 years, your life has changed. Your children may have grown up in a completely different environment. What once felt normal in India—like noise, traffic, or pollution—may now feel uncomfortable or even overwhelming.
And it’s not just about comfort. It’s about your children’s future, your business, and your peace of mind. Coming back to India after decades can be a tough adjustment—for both you and your family.
Why We All Need a Backup Country
Think about it this way: you buy insurance for your car, your health, and your home. Why not for your lifestyle and future?
Having a backup country is like having life insurance for your long-term well-being. You may never need it—but if things take a turn, you’ll be glad you planned ahead.
And let’s be realistic: you can’t just pack up and move to another country overnight. It takes time to:
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Get a residence visa
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Settle your finances
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Learn how things work
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Help your family adjust
So, if you want this option available, you need to start early.
Why Dubai Makes Sense
So, where should you go if you’re thinking of a backup plan?
For me, the answer was simple: Dubai.
Here’s why it could work for you too:
1. Close to India
Dubai is only a short 3-hour flight from most Indian cities. You can easily visit family, attend events, or take care of work back home—without uprooting your entire life.
2. Feels Familiar, Yet Modern
Almost half of Dubai’s population is Indian. You’ll find your food, festivals, and community there. At the same time, the city offers the structure, safety, and cleanliness of a developed country.
3. Tax-Free Income
One of the biggest perks? No personal income tax. If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or consultant, you can save a lot of money—sometimes enough to cover your entire move.
4. Growing Business Opportunities
Dubai is still expanding. While markets like Singapore or Hong Kong are saturated, Dubai is welcoming new ideas in tech, trade, logistics, and consulting. It’s a great place to start or grow your business.
5. Great for Families and Kids
Dubai is home to people from over 100 countries. There are excellent international schools, quality healthcare, and plenty of activities for children. Your kids can grow up in a diverse, safe, and inclusive environment.
6. Comfortable Lifestyle
Dubai offers top-class hospitals, world-class infrastructure, efficient public services, and helpful amenities like affordable home delivery or domestic help. You get the comforts of the West with the culture of the East.
What If You’re Still Living in India?
Even if you’re based in India and doing well, it’s wise to think ahead.
I say this as someone who loves India, still runs a business here, and wants to stay connected. But the current situation does raise concerns:
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Political uncertainty
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Economic slowdown and job scarcity
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Tax harassment targeting honest taxpayers
Let me share a personal example.
I’m a Chartered Accountant (CA). I once received ₹25 lakhs from my parents to start a business under my HUF (Hindu Undivided Family) account. Due to COVID, I kept the funds in fixed deposits for a while. Later, I returned the money.
Despite having proof of every transaction, I was hit with a ₹1 crore+ tax notice.
I’m still fighting it legally—and I know the system. Now imagine what an average taxpayer would go through.
Without a backup plan, a situation like this can quickly turn into a crisis.
More Risks: Divisions and Social Tensions
India is also seeing a rise in linguistic and regional divides. In some places, if you don’t speak the local language, you’re treated as an outsider—even if you’re Indian.
Add rising unemployment, growing frustration among youth, and the spread of hate on social media—and things start to feel unstable.
I don’t want to leave India. But I do want options.
What Can You Do Now?
You don’t have to move right away. This isn’t about panic—it’s about being prepared.
Here’s what you can start doing now:
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Visit Dubai and get a feel for the city
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Apply for a residence visa—especially if you’re a business owner or investor
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Explore property or small business opportunities
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Spend 2–3 months a year there to adjust and build your network
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Build relationships and understand how the system works