Indian Migrants Research Articles

Crisis as inflection point in the urban governance of domestic migration in India: a policy frames analysis

The exodus of millions of domestic migrants from Indian cities during COVID-19 highlighted the failure of urban governance to address their vulnerabilities and reconfirmed that migrant integration is an intractable policy problem, where actors take oppositional and irresolvable positions. Drawing on frame analysis, which outlines agenda-setting aspects of complex policy issues, this paper explores the ideas, perceptions and beliefs of diverse governance actors – politicians, bureaucrats and civil society members – and questions whether the COVID-19 migrant crisis generated new directions in the urban governance of migration. Results show that the COVID-19 crisis generated framing contests around the role of cities in migrant inclusion that shaped new governance agendas regarding improving urban services and welfare delivery. However, owing to a persistent belief in rural sedentarism, COVID-19 failed to act as a tipping point for definitive policy towards improved urban governance of migration. The findings suggest that deeper analysis of policy frames can enrich literature on the governance of domestic migration and encourage theoretical convergences between domestic and international migration.

Predictors of oral healthcare utilization and satisfaction among Indian migrants and the host population in the Netherlands

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore predictors associated with reasons for visiting an oral healthcare professional (OHP) and satisfaction with OHPs in the Netherlands among the Indian migrants and the host population.MethodsA random sample was obtained for this cross-sectional questionnaire study. Variables were classified according to the Andersen Behavioural Model of Health Services Utilization. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify significant predictors for reasons for visiting an oral healthcare professional (OHP) (routine checkups and preventive care or visiting only for pain and/or treatment) and satisfaction with OHPs (satisfied or dissatisfied).ResultsThe sample consisted of 391 participants (Indian migrants = 147 and host population = 244). Indian migrants with higher internal locus of control (LoC) [OR = 7.73 (95% CI: 2.13;27.99)], more trust in OHPs [OR = 4.12 (95% CI:1.68;10.14)] and higher integration level [OR = 1.09 (95% CI:1.03;1.17)] had higher odds of visiting an OHP for routine checkups and preventive care. In the host population, having dental insurance [OR = 2.64 (95% CI:1.00;6.95)] was significantly associated with increased odds of visiting an OHP for routine checkups and preventive care. For satisfaction, Indians with low paid jobs [OR = 16.26 (95% CI:2.83;93.36)] and those with higher integration levels [OR = 1.29 (95% CI:1.16;1.42)] had higher odds of being satisfied with the Dutch OHPs. Among the host population, those with more trust in OHPs [OR = 2.86 (95% CI:1.19;6.88)] had higher odds of being satisfied.ConclusionOur study emphasize that integration levels and trust emerged as two crucial factors, policy makers can leverage upon to improve access to care for Indian migrants.Clinical trialN.A as this is a survey based cross sectional study.

Examining the Impact of Socio-economic, Demographic and Policy Factors on Reverse Migration in India During COVID-19 Pandemic

This article examines the factors that determined ‘reverse migration’ of households from urban locations in India in the aftermath of a series of lockdowns that followed the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Positioning reverse migration as a coping strategy to ameliorate negative consequences of loss of livelihood, food shortages and loss of shelter in urban India, this article examines the factors that led to the utilization of this strategy in the aftermath of lockdown during the pandemic outbreak. The article also tests whether returning to hinterland persisted after the period of lockdowns. The lockdowns had exacerbated living conditions for urban poor. Migration to rural areas continued despite various policies and programmes that the national and state governments instituted to counter the negative impact of lockdowns, particularly on low-income households. Examining the socio-economic, demographic and policy factors, this article provides evidence that family support and rural social institutions such as self-help groups played a crucial role in providing support system during pandemic even to those who migrated back from urban areas. Government programmes such as Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and access to public distribution system were also important for reverse migrants. An important result is that the first wave of reverse migration was due to family and emotional reasons that arose because of lockdowns, the second wave of migration was for economic reasons as households continued to struggle in urban areas, and the migration during the third wave was a usual seasonal migration.

Trafficked or Married? Unpacking Dispossession of Matrimonial Choice in Cross-Region Marriage Migration in India.

The article, based on original research from 246 villages, discusses contemporary marriage migrations of poor women from India's development peripheries to rural North Indian men. Anti-trafficking activists and organizations in India assert that migrant brides are trafficked into sexual slavery through 'coerced' alliances. Employing a postcolonial feminist lens, this article challenges hegemonic anti-trafficking discourse with its gendered presumptions about widespread 'bride-trafficking' by showing that the processes of cross-region marriage mediation and motives are replete with contradictions and ambiguities. Fieldwork reveals a range of actors, including the migrant brides, involved in marriage mediation while poverty and heightened dowry compromise women into such matrimonies.

On the up and up: the job mobility of skilled return migrants

Abstract This paper examines the labor market incorporation of skilled Indian migrants returning home after working in the United States. I analyze a novel dataset of 7,177 time-varying transnational employment histories from LinkedIn using logistic regression and survival analysis. I find that skilled Indian migrants experience occupational upgrades when re-entering their home labor market, buoyed by foreign human capital and compensating for US legal status restrictions. While immigrants often face initial occupational downgrades and job mobility constraints in foreign labor markets, return migrants experience stability, promotions and accelerated rates of job mobility at home. The paper contributes to the literature on return migration, a significant but understudied dimension of international migration due to data constraints. I offer LinkedIn employment histories as digital data source to address these limitations and leverage their rich spatio-temporal information. These data help expand prior research on return migrant wages to broader questions about transnational migrant career trajectories. The findings shed light into where high-demand migrants might maximize their career growth, and have implications for understanding the policies shaping the recruitment and retention of skilled workers in the global labor market.

The 1847 de Salis Experiment and Chinese Indentured Labour in Colonial Australia

In 1847 a pastoralist in southern New South Wales experimented with the use of indentured Chinese labourers. This article reveals the identity of this pastoralist to be Leopold Fane de Salis and examines his use of indentured Chinese labourers in his employ in the late 1840s and early 1850s. We argue that de Salis’ initial sourcing of Chinese labour illuminates the importance of local experimentation and transnational colonial trading networks in the iterative development of those larger indentured migration schemes which soon followed. Further, we interrogate the public representation of this experiment by analysing the experience of Chinese labourers as revealed through de Salis’ station ledgers.

Untouchability-Induced Migration in India: Exploring the Trajectory of Scheduled Caste Migrants

This study explores the association between the untouchability experiences in households and the migration status of India’s Scheduled Caste community. Utilizing descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models, this study analyses migration determinants that are induced by untouchability. The findings indicate that households experiencing untouchability are twice as likely to migrate (uOR = 2.03, CI = 1.71–2.42). Even after adjusting for socio-economic and regional factors in the regression model, the higher odds persist at 1.5 times higher (aOR = 1.51, CI = 1.15–1.98). Uttar Pradesh (21.94%), Rajasthan (12.61%) and Madhya Pradesh (9.81%) exhibit the highest untouchability rates. Madhya Pradesh (33.65%) records the highest migration rate due to untouchability, followed by Rajasthan (18.01%), Uttar Pradesh (9%) and Bihar (9%). This study underscores a noteworthy disparity in migration patterns between those experiencing untouchability and those who do not. Addressing untouchability is essential for mitigating its profound effects on migration, socio-economic mobility and community dynamics, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

The revenge of history: Indian indenture and its afterlife in South Africa

ABSTRACT The aftermath of the 150th anniversary in 2010 of the arrival of the first indentured migrants in Natal saw an explosion of family and community histories. While some academic historians question the credibility of such histories, carefully sifted and cross-referenced, they can provide a wealth of new information, allowing for deeper insights into indentured migration and Indian settlement in South Africa. Family histories help in building intergenerational histories that go beyond indenture. This expansion of the historical archive provides a fuller story of Indians who, for a large part of their existence, were written out of the history books or written in as a festering sore to be lanced from the South African body politic through mass repatriation. While digging deeper into individual family histories, the story is situated within the broader context of racist exclusion, showing how these boundaries were reinforced as much as they were challenged and trespassed.

There and back again: dynamics of temporary labor migration, insights from rural India.

Temporary labor migration is a household phenomenon among rural communities in India. This study seeks to understand the subjective experiences influencing the temporariness of labor migration among internal migrants in India by examining various factors such as migration conditions, motivation, migration arrangements, coping and adaptation strategies, and determinants of stay. To achieve this objective, the current qualitative study utilized 14 in-depth interviews and 2 focus group discussions to investigate the temporary nature of labor migration among internal migrants in India. Our findings reveal that migration decisions are rational choices made collectively at the household level, considering socio-economic outcomes. We also find that social networks and contractors facilitate migration arrangements and job connections, and migrants employ various strategies to reduce costs and cope with expenses in urban areas. However, migration destinations often fail to meet migrants' expectations, exposing them to low-wage employment and precarious working and living conditions, which are detrimental to their health. Limited housing and sanitation facilities further contribute to the challenges faced by migrants. Work conditions, including poor wages and high job demands, also affect their well-being. These findings highlight the need for improved support systems that address accommodation challenges, work conditions, and the overall welfare of labor migrants.

Does local non-farm income moderate the intensity of climate change induced migration in India?

While the impact of climate change on migration is well documented in the literature, very little is known about the moderating impact of local non-farm income on climate change induced migration. To fill this gap in the literature, the paper combines real time weather data provided by Indian Meteorological Department with a very rich household data on Indian states belonging to the eastern and semi-arid tropic regions collected by ICRISAT to investigate whether farmers always resort to migration or take it up as a second-best option only after they fail to diversify locally on the face of climate change induced crop loss. Using recursive econometric model, it is observed that households first try to diversify their income by engaging in local non-farm activities and availability of local non-farm income further moderates the effect of climate change induced yield loss on migration. Higher rural out migration may adversely impact the agricultural sector and affect sustainable urbanization, Also, decision to migrate is often challenging as it necessitates leaving behind social and community networks. Therefore, our findings offer valuable insights and discusses important policy recommendations towards improving the access to local non-farm activities.

CHILD MIGRATION TRENDS IN INDIA: INSIGHTS FROM NATIONAL DATASETS

The child migration in India is a complex socio-economic phenomenon profoundly impacting childrens well-being and development. This paper analyzes trends and vulnerabilities among child migrants using national datasets, focusing on education, health, and socio-economic disparities.The study identifies a significant increase in internal migration, predominantly rural, driven by familial and economic factors. Gender disparities show higher migration rates among boys, influenced by socio-cultural norms and economic incentives. The regional disparities highlight Goa, Kerala, and Maharashtra as key migration hubs, shaped by economic opportunities and cultural dynamics. Despite higher literacy rates, migrant children face challenges like early employment and educational disruptions. Health outcomes vary, with improved nutrition but lower immunization coverage compared to non-migrant peers.Child marriage rates among migrant girls underscore socio-economic inequities. Vulnerability analysis reveals risks among economically disadvantaged and rural migrants, necessitating targeted policy interventions. The policy recommendations stress legal enforcement against child marriage and robust implementation of education and child labor laws. Collaborative efforts involving government, NGOs, and communities are crucial to address the needs of child migrants, especially from marginalized groups.This research paper informs inclusive policies to protect child migrants rights and opportunities, aiming for a more equitable societal framework.

The COVID-19-Led Reverse Migration and Labour Supply in Rural Economy: Challenges, Opportunities and Road Ahead in Chhattisgarh

Migration is an integral part of the Indian economy and constitutes a significant share in the GDP of the country. But the COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a devastating shock resulting in huge reverse migration in India as well as in its respective states. In this context the present study tries to investigate labour supply and employment opportunity in rural areas of Chhattisgarh due to COVID-19-led reverse migration and also examines the gender specific impacts of COVID-19 on reverse migrants in Chhattisgarh. The study also suggests the possible measures to rebuild the Chhattisgarh’s rural economy after COVID-19. Thus, the study inculcates both secondary and primary data. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis are computed to get the results. The study found that there is a sudden rise in labour supply in the rural economy of Chhattisgarh. Job loss is the biggest problem faced by migrants followed by loss in income. The study also found that there is no significant impact of reverse migration due to Covid-19 between both the gender in rural Chhattisgarh. Thus, on the basis of primary survey and focused group discussions the study concludes that the returned migrants would surely get back to their normal lives and would gradually afford the better standard of living to themselves as well as to their families. A comprehensive overview of the economic, health and gendered implications of the Covid-19 pandemic reveals the need for a more proactive and on-the-ground strategy to combat the post -crisis scenario in the rural economy of Chhattisgarh. Also, the Covid-19 pandemic have reinforced the need for and the importance of compiling data of migrants. Such a database helps in effective administration of various government interventions. However, there is also an urgent call for the proactive actions to be undertaken to retain these reverse migrants in their original source, so that they would contribute towards the development of their own state.

Migration: Concept, Factors, Impacts and Migration in India

Migration is the term used to describe the movement of people from one location to another, usually entailing a change of habitation. This movement can occur between nations (international migration) or within a nation (internal migration). A summary of the idea, contributing causes, effects, and Indian context is provided here. Numerous political, social, economic, and environmental elements all have an impact on the complicated issue of migration. It can happen for a variety of reasons, including the pursuit of better economic opportunities, avoidance violence or harassment, reuniting with family, or responding to environmental triggers like natural catastrophes or climate change. It can also be forced or voluntary, temporary or permanent. In summary, migration is a complex issue that affects people on an individual, societal, and economic level. To effectively manage and exploit migration's possible benefits while reducing its obstacles, policy must take into account the variables that force migration and its effects. India's tendencies in international migration have changed significantly throughout time, motivated by social dynamics, political reasons, and economic opportunities. All things considered, migration from India abroad is a complicated phenomenon that is impacted by domestic ties, global mobility patterns, educational goals, and economic prospects. Migration trends and reasons from India change in tandem with the global environment.

Social support and economic conditions among older migrants in India: do distance, duration, and streams of migration play a role in later life?

BackgroundBeing older and having a migrant feature might cause a double risk of vulnerability in poor economic, social support, and health status at the place of destination. This study examines the association of migration on the social support and economic condition of older persons in India.MethodsLongitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) wave-I (2017–2018) data with total samples of 66,156 older adults aged 45 + with 30,869 and 35,287 male and female samples, respectively, used in this study. Descriptive and bivariate analyses have been performed to examine the pattern of older migrants, and multinomial logistic regression analysis has been used to establish the associations between migration, social support, and economic condition.ResultsOver half (57.5%) of the population aged 45 + in India had migrant characteristics; 80% migrated before 25 years. Of all migrants, about 90% migrated within one state (Intrastate), and 9% migrated to another (Interstate). The association between social support and migration by distance and the adjusted result showed that immigrants were less likely to have medium [RRR = 0.56 (CI; 0.46–0.68)] and high [RRR = 0.39 (CI; 0.30–0.50)] social support. The interstate migrants were also less likely to have high [RRR = 0.90 (CI; 0.83–0.98)] social support. The migrants with 0–9 years of duration were less likely to have high social support, and the urban to rural stream migrants were more likely to have high social support. The association between economic status and migration by distance and the adjusted result showed that more affluent immigrants were likelier to have [RRR = 1.41 (CI; 1.14–1.73)] better economic conditions than affluent non-migrants. Migrants with 0–9-year duration and urban to rural stream were found to be likelier to have better economic conditions.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that distance, duration, and migration stream have a significant association with social support and economic conditions in later life. In exploring migration’s effect on social and economic status, policymakers should prioritize migrants in their agenda to maintain socio-economic and social support for older persons in India to achieve the sustainable goal of active and healthy ageing.

Novel genomic variants related to visceral adiposity index (VAI) and body adiposity index (BAI) in Indian sib-pairs.

Obesity is among the leading public health threats globally. Over the last few years, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and body adiposity index (BAI), derived from anthropometric, and biochemical measures, have gained importance as a measure of obesity. However, unlike other common indices like body mass index, and waist circumference, the genetic predisposition of VAI, and BAI under-examined. 2265 sib-pairs from Indian Migration Study were used for examining the association of genetic variants from the Cardio-Metabochip array with VAI, and BAI. Mixed linear regression models were run, and all inferences were based on the within-sib component of the Fulker's association models. Gene-environment/lifestyle interaction analyses were also undertaken. rs6659428 at LOC400796 | SEC16B (β = 0.26, SE = 0.05), and rs7611535 at DRD3 | LOC645180 (β = 0.18, SE = 0.04) were associated with VAI at suggestive significance value of <8.21 × 10-6. For BAI, rs73300702 at JAZF1-AS1 (β = 0.27, SE = 0.06), was the top hit at p value < 8.21 × 10-6. Further, rs6659428 showed marginal effect modification with rural/urban location (β = 0.26, SE = 0.13, p value = 0.047), and rs73300702 with physical activity (β = -0.29,SE = 0.14, p value = 0.034). We report three novel genetic loci for VAI, and BAI in Indians that are important indicators of adiposity. These findings need to be replicated and validated with larger samples from different ethnicities. Further, functional studies for understanding the biological mechanisms of these adiposity indices need to be undertaken to understand the underlying pathophysiology.

Identity threat through the lens of heritage language maintenance: second-generation Indian diaspora in Sydney, Australia

ABSTRACT Australia’s demographic is transforming rapidly due to its increasing immigration rate, leading to the diversification of its linguistic and cultural landscape and resources. This makes it integral to study and understand the linguistic skills and repertoire of migrants, and its impacts on their identity formation and threat. Despite Indian migrants’ growing population rate in Australia, there is a scarcity of studies on their linguistic skills and repertoire. To fill in this gap, a large-scale study was conducted in Sydney, Australia. This paper explores 54 second-generation Indian migrants’ proficiency in two Indian heritage languages: Hindi and an Indian regional language that they spoke the most. Either of these languages could be their first or other language. This is followed by an evaluation of their language practices in the home and public domains. The results of their proficiency in Indian heritage languages and their language preference and use are fundamental in inferring their attitudes towards their ethnic identity in a transnational context.

Gendered Migration in India: Exploring the Challenges and Human Rights Issues Faced by Female Migrant Workers in Perumbavoor, Ernakulam District, Kerala

Most studies on inter-state migrant workers in Kerala focus on male migrants arriving in the state. Kerala began to receive migrant workers in 1950. There has been a significant shift in it since 1990. From the 1960s to the 1990s, migrant workers came to Kerala from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. During those times, women came to Kerala along with men. After the 1990s, migration from Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Jharkhand, and Haryana gained momentum. Many women have moved to Kerala since 2000, as opposed to male migrants from 1990 to 2000. Many human rights issues face migrant women in Kerala, including their workplaces, lifestyles, job searches, and travel. The consequences of not getting significant health interventions and being harassed at work are not well known in society. A study of migrant women begins in the public space, where they are not considered citizens but as objects of utility. My research revealed 516,000 migrant women in Kerala, based on a government document obtained through RTI. There are 25000 female migrant workers among them. It is estimated that around 34 lakh migrant workers work in Kerala, according to the Kerala Planning Board's 2021 report. Out of that, 20% of women work in many workplaces and enterprises in Kerala. According to surveys and a government assessment, Kerala's Ernakulam district has the highest concentration of migrant women workers. The female migrant workers in the Perumbavoor one of the cities of the Ernakulam district are the subject of this study. Female workers who work in plywood, bricks, baji, tailoring, pan shops, plastic manufacturing, textile manufacturing, and other industrial units are the subject of this study. Female migrant workers are personally met and interviewed during fieldwork to obtain data. For this study, qualitative ethnographic research methodology is employed. The findings of this study suggest the government's policy-making for social welfare, social security, job security, the prevention of sexual violence, and making sure that female migrants in Kerala receive equal pay for equal work. This study is being conducted with the human rights of women migrant workers in Kerala foremost in mind. Information is being directly collected from migrant women workers, labour department health department government representatives, trade union members, NGO representatives, etc.

Understanding the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Indian Migrant Workers in the United Arab Emirates: Perceptions, Challenges, and Psychological Effects

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is often regarded as a preferred employment location for Indian migrant workers seeking improved financial stability and enhanced career opportunities. The spread of COVID-19 has led to a decline in international migration rates and an increase in the number of individuals returning to their home countries. Therefore, it is imperative to analyze the challenges and perspectives of migrant labour. The assessment was based on a sample size of 416 Indian migrant workers who were present in the UAE during the lockdown period of the pandemic. Statistical techniques were employed to assess the research objective and examine the formulated hypothesis. The study confirms that the employment status of the migrant population has transformed, leading to a decline in both income and remittance flows. There is a significant difference in remittances by Indian migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The statistical analysis reveals a significant finding in the chi-square test regarding the perception of migrants towards health facilities and other amenities offered by the Government of the UAE. The facilities provided by the Government of the UAE were perceived to be considerably more favourable in comparison to those offered by the Government of India. The favourable view of the UAE authorities led to the choice of several migrant workers to remain there rather than return to India throughout the pandemic. The logistic regression analysis reveals that demographic information such as age, duration of stay, level of education, sources of income, and earnings were the significant determinants of fear of COVID-19. The report also encompasses a few constraints and offers policy recommendations.

Deciphering Tribal Migration through the Pages of Contemporary Literary Narratives in Translation

Migration, encompassing both international and internal movements, is a multifaceted and pervasive global phenomenon with social, economic and cultural implications. The internal migration of tribal population in India is one such movement that opens up avenues of discussion regarding the socio-cultural, economic and political impact of migration. Tribal migration currently in India, is propelled by the complex interplay of push and pull factors. The proposed paper intends to conduct a comprehensive analysis of tribal migration with the help of literary narratives written in regional literature translated to English. The study situates the selected texts in the framework of migration studies to examine the dynamics of tribal migration in India. While the existing studies problematize the event of tribal migration, the current examination endeavours to broaden its scope by analyzing both the challenges and benefits of migration for the tribal population in India. The study underscores that migration for education empowers the younger generation of tribal population from their disempowerment and marginalisation, owing to the fact that it would enable intercultural transactions and social exposure. Further, it foregrounds the tribal actuality of forced migration that ultimately accentuate their existing deprivation. An understanding of the aforementioned dual dynamics of tribal migration would enhance the contemporary social policies aiming at tribal empowerement.

Social Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Indian Migrant Workers: A Survey-Based Investigation

This research investigates the social impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on Indian migrant workers, aiming to fill a literature gap by providing empirical insights into their experiences and challenges during the pandemic. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected through structured interviews with 200 migrant workers across various regions of India. The study analyzed the impact on employment status, sources of financial support, mental health outcomes, changes in social support networks, access to healthcare services, coping mechanisms, perception of government support, and willingness to return to urban centers for work. The findings highlight a significant decline in employment, reliance on savings and remittances, heightened mental health burden, erosion of social support networks, barriers to healthcare access, diverse coping strategies, dissatisfaction with government support, and reluctance to return to urban centers post-lockdown. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy responses to address the socio-economic and psychological needs of migrant workers, promote resilience, and build more inclusive and equitable societies.