52% Indians preparing to migrate in 2025, zero-fee recruitment seen as critical reform: TERN Group Survey

• Germany emerges as the leading destination at 43%

• Barriers like language issues persist, affecting 44% of respondents

• 40% respondents state unethical recruitment as a concern

• Zero-fee recruitment models are considered extremely important by 57% of respondents

6th January 2026, India : A recent survey conducted by TERN Group, an AI-powered global talent mobility platform, using its Year-Ender Migration Barometer, covered 8,000 respondents across India. The survey found that 52% Indians are either exploring or actively preparing to migrate abroad in 2025, signalling a powerful India-to-world migration wave driven by financial and career ambitions. The report shows that 52% respondents have changed their preferred migration destination over time, and 43% of respondents indicated a preference for international opportunities, reflecting the perceived advantages of global career mobility.

The survey identifies financial growth as the single biggest driver of migration, with 46% respondents citing it as their primary motivation, followed by career growth at 34%. Personal dreams and global exposure remain secondary, with 9% and 4% respectively, underscoring that the current migration wave is anchored in financial outcomes, not just lifestyle aspirations.

Germany emerges as the top preferred destination for Indian migrants, attracting 43% of respondents, followed by the UK at 17%, Japan at 9%, and the USA at 4%. This shift toward European and Asian economies reflects both rising global demand for Indian talent, acknowledged by 57% respondents, and the appeal of structured migration pathways in these markets.

However, despite strong intent, language and skills remain critical bottlenecks. 44% say language requirements are the number one barrier, and 36% report being stuck at the “learning the language” stage. The trust deficit in traditional agent-led recruitment models remains stark, with 48% having personally experienced unethical recruitment, while 15% report having heard of unethical practices through peers. Beyond this, migrants struggle with a lack of guidance (33%), high costs (14%), and long timelines (10%), all of which slow down or derail their migration journey.

Zero-fee recruitment has become a non-negotiable expectation, with 57% of respondents calling it “extremely important.” Another 43% say that while they are willing to pay fees, the financial burden is stressful. Alongside this, 44% want structured language training and 23% seek free or transparent recruitment pathways, highlighting a strong demand for honest, guided ecosystems over fragmented, agent-led models.

Avinav Nigam, Founder & CEO of TERN Group, said, “This survey makes it clear: India doesn’t just have a talent advantage, it has a systems opportunity. Millions of young Indians are ready for global careers, but the pathways that should support them are still fragmented. Zero-fee recruitment, transparent guidance, and structured language support are no longer optional. They are the infrastructure we need to build, at scale, if India is to power the next decade of global healthcare. Our talent is ready. Now the system must be too.”

According to the survey findings, visa timelines vary greatly. 26% respondents report receiving visas in under three months, and 30% in three to six months. Others have waited longer, with 18% waiting six to twelve months, and 13% for more than a year. As migration aspirations sharpen and global demand for Indian talent rises, TERN Group’s insights point to 2026 being shaped by more structured and transparent models that allow India’s ready talent pool to move through a system that finally catches up.