- Conflict driving Indian hospitality professionals home.
- Architects, designers and others seek jobs in India.
- RHG reports more applications for senior hotel leadership roles.
MORE INDIAN HOSPITALITY professionals are returning home as geopolitical tensions disrupt business across parts of West Asia. Reduced tourism, lower hotel occupancy, salary cuts and unpaid leave are accelerating the move.
According to The Economic Times, renewed uncertainty following the breakdown of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire accelerated the shift. Architects, designers and professionals in allied sectors are also exploring opportunities in India, citing stability and long-term growth prospects.
"Radisson Hotel Group has observed a noticeable increase in applications from hospitality professionals currently working in West Asia, particularly from the UAE and Oman, who are seeking long-term career opportunities back home," said Nikhil Sharma, RHG managing director and chief operating officer for South Asia, according to the Times. "While India has always attracted returning talent, recent geopolitical uncertainties have accelerated inquiries from professionals looking for greater stability and sustained career growth."
Sharma said the increased interest covers hotel operations, including food and beverage, culinary, front office, housekeeping, finance and engineering.
RHG has also seen more applications for senior hotel leadership positions. In April, it announced plans to create 65,000 to 80,000 jobs in India through 500 properties by 2030. The company is focusing on local hiring and career development.
RHG recently ranked 90th on India's Top 100 Best Companies to Work For 2026 list by Great Place to Work India. It was also recognized among India's Best Workplaces in Hotels & Resorts 2026.
"The movement reflects the strength of both the Indian and Middle East hospitality markets. India is creating more senior leadership and specialist opportunities as its hospitality sector expands," said Saurabh Tiwari, Indian Hotels Co. Ltd. area director, Middle East and CIS.
Tiwari said IHCL is seeing the trend most clearly among professionals with five to 15 years of experience. The movement spans operations, food and beverage, culinary, commercial, sales and marketing, revenue management and pre-opening roles.
Human resources experts said recent regional volatility has created fresh uncertainty.
Amruta Heblikar, founder of HR services firm Virtual Key, said the hospitality sector had begun to recover before concerns resurfaced following the escalation of attacks involving Iran and the U.S.
Heblikar said a meaningful recovery is unlikely before the end of September or October, depending on how the situation develops.
"Fewer tourists and a decline in conferences and events have reduced hotel occupancy, while several properties have also closed for renovations," she said, according to The Economic Times.
Heblikar said many companies have introduced unpaid leave for part of each month or reduced salaries. "Restaurants and cloud kitchens have also cut staff as food and beverage operations slow," she said.
Kanav Mata, director and regional head for India, South Asia and the Middle East at EHL Hospitality Business School, said one senior professional recently moved from Dubai to India with the same employer after being offered responsibility for a larger portfolio.
"The move reflected both uncertainty in the region and stronger career opportunities in India," Mata said.
The trend is also extending beyond hospitality.
Natwar Nagar, founder of The Job Plus, said architects, designers and real estate professionals are making inquiries about relocating to India because they see it as a more stable market.
He said that Dubai remains resilient and is expected to recover.
Amrita Chakraverty, head of HR and administration at a UAE-based hospitality company, said workforce reductions have been implemented across hotels of different sizes in the Middle East.
"Staffing reductions vary by business performance and occupancy levels, with some companies making limited changes and others carrying out broader restructuring," she said, according to the Times.
Sandeep Ganediwalla, managing partner at advisory firm Redseer Middle East, said India is offering stronger roles and more competitive pay.
"The UAE remains an attractive market for Indian professionals, but if uncertainty continues, temporary moves back to India could become permanent," he said.
A 2024 white paper by the Confederation of Indian Industry and EY said India's tourism and hospitality sector could create 6.1 million jobs by 2034. The sector accounts for about 8 percent of the country's total employment.
