Migration as a Catalyst of Change: The Impact of Indian Labour Migration to the GCC

Abstract

The idea of emigration as a method of subsistence has long gained traction in India. Emigration and remittances have been praised as financial sources for the transformation of communities and households. Due to its historical links to international migration and its position as one of India's top labor exporting states, Kerala is an especially intriguing state that has been one of the most significant source regions for Indian temporary workers, primarily to the GCC (Gulf Cooperative Council) countries. Kerala is home to almost 2.1 million migrants, and 36% of the state's net state product comes from their contributions. This study looks at empirical data from the socioeconomic discourses surrounding Gulf migration with respect to the emigrants, their households, and the place from where they migrated in order to comprehend how migrant houses differ from non-migrant households. The study covers empirical research on the reasons behind migration, mobility trends, and the issue of using migration as a strategy to lower state unemployment. The paper goes on to discuss the significance of emigration in the socioeconomic transformations of the state.