As Indians, when we come abroad, we’re often told that hard work is the key to success. Many of us spend years working long hours, dreaming of a day when we can start our own business, get permanent residency, and finally call ourselves successful. But is that dream really as straightforward as it seems?
One of the most common paths people take after securing PR is opening restaurants, shops, or small businesses. On the surface, it seems like they’ve made it. They show off their success, flaunt their achievements, and become role models for those back home. But what often isn’t discussed is the dark side of this journey — the exploitation of workers through sponsorships and underpayment.
The Business of Sponsorships
Sponsorship has become a business in itself. Restaurants and shops that hire international workers often promise the dream of PR, but in exchange, they pay them far less than what’s legal or fair. While these businesses claim they are offering opportunities, they are, in reality, taking advantage of vulnerable workers who desperately want to stay in the country.
The truth is, it’s not the hardworking individuals who are getting rich. Those who truly work hard — whether in factories, farms, or driving taxis — rarely make millions of dollars. It’s the ones who exploit the system, selling sponsorships and underpaying workers, who seem to rise to the top. They return home, boast about their success, and inspire others to follow in their footsteps, never mentioning the exploitation and unethical practices that fueled their rise.
Is There Another Way?
It raises an important question: Is there anyone who has become rich abroad through honest means? Can one truly build wealth without selling sponsorships or exploiting workers? The reality is, it's extremely difficult. Many who have stayed true to their values and refused to take advantage of others haven’t amassed huge fortunes. They live a modest life, content with earning through "hakk di kamai" (honest work).
But there is a need for people to find other ways of becoming successful without resorting to exploitation. Instead of building businesses on the backs of struggling workers, we should look for ethical ways to grow. Hard work, innovation, and honesty may not make you a millionaire overnight, but they build a foundation of respect and integrity.
Breaking the Cycle
The cycle of exploitation needs to end. If we continue down this path, we will only inspire future generations to follow suit. It’s time we start having honest conversations about the challenges of making it abroad. Yes, it's possible to get rich, but at what cost? We should be proud of honest work, no matter the paycheck, and discourage the idea that wealth is worth more than ethics.
Let’s break the myth that you need to exploit others to succeed. Real success lies in building a life that doesn’t harm or take advantage of others. After all, it’s far better to earn a little with honesty than to amass wealth through deception.
If we truly want to inspire the next generation, let’s show them the value of honest work, and let’s encourage them to find ways to succeed that don’t involve exploiting others. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about money — it’s about the kind of life you build and the respect you earn along the way.