Joe The Americakaran has posted fascinating data on migration numbers linked to the Indian state of Kerala and its Malayali population. The figures reveal significant trends both in emigration out of the country and internal inter-state migration within India.
Kerala leads India in emigration, with approximately 2.1 million Malayalis living abroad, potentially reaching a total of 5 million. In 2023, these emigrants sent home between AUD 21.8 billion to AUD 36.3 billion, which typically represents 19% of the remittances to India. This migration leaves behind 1 million housewives, 2 million children, and 4 million elderly people.
Malayalis are spread across 182 out of 195 countries, with 1.3 million houses in Kerala remaining empty, accounting for 11% of the total. Around 20% of families in Kerala have members who have emigrated, and skilled migrants, comprising just 5% of the emigrant population, account for 40% of the remittances.
Educational institutions in Kerala are also impacted, with 82,230 college seats and 118 schools more than 50% empty. The share of working-age youth in the local population has dropped to 36.3%. Student migration to 54 countries has doubled from 200,000 to 400,000 between 2018 and 2023. Educational loans have risen from AUD 181 million to AUD 199 million from 2019 to 2022, with students spending an average of AUD 363,000 to AUD 544,000 on studying abroad.
About 8% of emigrants hold permanent residency, and 72% are pursuing it. Meanwhile, 24% have no plans to return, but 55% will come back if salaries meet their expectations. Mental health issues affect 47% of students abroad, caused by loneliness and financial burdens. Migration for a more liberal and urban lifestyle appeals to 45% of emigrants, with 78% of women and 48% of men preferring this.
The Great Migrations of Kerala in numbers.
Kerala is at the forefront of two giant migration trends reshaping India. It leads in both emigration out of the country, to 182 countries. And internal inter-state migration from 25 states.
Here are the stats I could gather 🧵 pic.twitter.com/3s1KQwl3Hp
— Joe ن (@americakaran) May 25, 2024
Prospective emigrants show a keen interest in nursing (20%) and accounting (9%), with 34% planning to settle permanently. Permanent emigration to the West is predominantly from upper caste Christians, followed by upper caste Hindus, while Gulf migration from Kerala has likely reached 5-6 million by 2024.
Internally, Kerala attracts migrants from 195 districts across 25 states, including 33 tribal areas. In 2023, these migrants spent AUD 272 million locally and sent AUD 54.4 million as internal remittances. The majority come from West Bengal (1.3 million), Assam (900,000), and Bihar (570,000). One in four employees in Kerala is an internal migrant, with only 5% living with their families. Most live in shared housing, with 39% in poor conditions, and 3% practicing open defecation.
Criminal activity among migrants is low, with only 168 accused of murder and 10,546 involved in other crimes. Kerala’s welfare programs for migrants have registered 516,000 participants, offering health insurance and accidental death insurance. Project Roshni has expanded to 80 schools, enrolling 17,000 migrant students and achieving high pass rates. Additionally, crèches and daycares have opened to support migrant children, and affordable government housing is being developed under the Apna Ghar project.
Migrant populations in Kerala predominantly come from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and minority religious backgrounds, citing the lack of caste and religious discrimination as a reason for their relocation. Women, in particular, report enjoying greater freedoms and a more liberal society.
These statistics and figures, collected by Joe The Americakaran from various newspaper reports over the last few years, may not be precise but they provide a comprehensive picture of Kerala’s unique migration trends. The impact of these trends is profound, reshaping both the state and the lives of its people.
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#Kerala leads in #emigration with 2.1 million abroad, impacting local demographics, education, & economy. Significant internal migration also reshapes the state, highlighting unique trends & societal shifts. 🌏🏠📉💼📚 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/9ItN1U03P9
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) May 27, 2024
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