'No one’s forcing you to stay': Indian techie in Sweden shares dark side of European expat life, faces backlash

A video shared by Dev Vijay Vargiya, an Indian software developer living in Sweden, has sparked controversy online after he spoke about the less glamorous side of life in Europe.

In the now-viral Instagram post, which has garnered over 3.7 million views, Vargiya discussed the challenges faced by many expatriates, including job insecurity, high living costs, harsh weather, and emotional isolation.

Vargiya pointed out that foreign workers in some European countries are required to leave within a week if they lose their job, as their residence permits are often tied to employment.

He also highlighted the high cost of rent and groceries, seasonal extremes in daylight, and the emotional toll of being far from family and friends. “If you’re someone who loves being close to family and friends, think twice before moving to Europe,” he cautioned.

However, the video drew sharp criticism from many social media users. Some accused him of being ungrateful or exaggerating his struggles.

“Then come back… who’s stopping you?” one user wrote.

Others pointed out that many countries, including Sweden, offer grace periods of 30 to 90 days after job loss, depending on visa type, contradicting his claim about having to leave within a week.

A few users also defended life abroad, stating that every country has its pros and cons, and that international experience should not be discouraged. “It’s easy to complain, but no one’s forcing you to stay,” one commenter said.

The video has ignited a broader debate around migration, expectations, and the realities of living away from one’s home country.