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Paper short abstract

Remote work transformed Indian migration to Japan post-pandemic—removing barriers for men, enabling women to keep careers, and letting couples share childcare. But isolation became a hidden cost. This paper explores how digital work is reshaping skilled migration, mobility, and belonging.

Paper long abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for migrants, and those in Japan were no exception. Border closures, prolonged family separations, and loss of employment severely impacted Indian professionals and their families. This led to questions about their sense of belonging and future in Japan—some even considered leaving. However, once the borders reopened, Japan became an even more attractive destination for Indian talent than before. The rise of remote and hybrid work allowed for unexpected opportunities for both men and women. For men, remote work removed longstanding barriers like navigating Japan's demanding office culture, long commutes, and language challenges. For women who relocated as trailing spouses, remote work meant they could arrive with jobs already in hand, rather than putting their careers on hold. It also opened doors for existing migrant women who had been unable to re-enter the workforce due to childcare pressures. For couples, hybrid arrangements enabled shared childcare responsibilities, with one respondent noting, "It takes a village to raise a child. For us, remote work was that village." This shift was not without challenges. Isolation, time zone differences, lack of local colleagues, and difficulty integrating into Japanese society became significant issues. This paper draws on interviews with Indian migrants in Japan to explore how remote work reshaped the lives of skilled migrants, highlighting the evolving nature of migration and digital work in a post-pandemic world.