17/08/2025
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17/08/2025
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KUWAIT CITY, Aug 17: For decades, thousands of Keralites have left the lush shores of their South Indian homeland for the shimmering skylines and desert promise of the Gulf. The reasons for this migration are as complex as they are compelling, shaping not only the destinies of individual families but the entire economy and culture of Kerala.
Why They Left
Job Opportunities
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait have long been magnets for work-hungry Keralites. Whether in construction, hospitality, healthcare, or domestic work, even the most modest jobs in these oil-rich nations offer salaries that far outstrip what’s available back home.
Lack of Local Jobs:
Kerala boasts one of India’s highest education rates, yet the state struggles to create sufficient well-paying employment for its youth. Many are unwilling to accept low-paying or manual labour roles locally, making the pull of Gulf salaries all the stronger.
Remittance Power:
Gulf migrants send home billions, financing education, healthcare, and new homes—all while raising their families’ status and boosting the local economy. Remittances have become the backbone of Kerala’s development and support for daily life.
Strong Networks:
Years of migration have forged powerful networks—friends, family, and whole communities—making it easier for newcomers to secure jobs, housing, and a sense of belonging abroad.
Post-COVID Demand Boom:
Major projects such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Qatar World Cup led to a post-pandemic surge in demand for foreign labour. Add a weakened rupee, and Gulf salaries became more attractive than ever.
Visa Reforms:
Innovations like long-term and freelance visas in the UAE now allow workers greater legal security than in the past.
The Impact on Kerala
Economic Effects
Remittances:
Kerala’s economy is heavily propped up by money sent from the Gulf, contributing as much as 30% of the state’s GDP.Keralite NRIs from Gulf countries remit a substantial amount to India each year. In the 2023–2024 financial year, Kerala received an estimated $23.99 billion (approximately ₹2 lakh crore) in remittances, with the Gulf nations contributing the lion’s share. Nearly 38% of all Kerala’s remittances originate from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. These remittances now account for nearly 20% of Kerala’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), underscoring the scale of economic impact Gulf migrants have on the state.
Social Effects of Gulf Migration: The Untold Cost
Family Separation: The Hidden Price of Prosperity
Behind every story of economic success in Kerala lies the quiet pain of family separation. For thousands of families, the pursuit of a better future in the Gulf comes at a deep personal cost. Children grow up missing fathers or mothers who must work thousands of miles away, sometimes for years on end. Spouses shoulder the burden of single parenthood, often juggling emotional stress and practical challenges alone. Grandparents become the primary caregivers, and festive occasions are marked with longing rather than joy.
Many Keralite children learn to recognise their parents through phone calls, video chats, or annual visits, rather than daily hugs and shared experiences. Emotional gaps can grow wider with time, affecting children’s mental health, academic performance, and their sense of security. The elderly face loneliness, while couples navigate the hurdles of long-distance relationships, sometimes leading to marital strain.
Status Symbol: The Social Power of the “Gulf Connection”
In the towns and villages of Kerala, a link to the Gulf carries unmistakable prestige. The “Gulf connection” is not just about money, but a powerful social marker. Families with relatives working in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar are often viewed with admiration. The ability to afford a modern house, foreign-branded electronics, or a new vehicle is evidence of success—fuelled by Gulf earnings.
Aspiring youths see migration as the path to social mobility, and education choices increasingly tilt towards careers like nursing or engineering that offer better chances abroad. Social events, weddings, and community festivals reflect the influence of Gulf culture, fashion, and even cuisine.
While the economic gains are undeniable, the social transformation is equally dramatic—reshaping community values, aspirations, and relationships across Kerala.
Why Keralites Prefer Europe: The New Migration Dream
In recent years, the migration aspirations of Keralites have taken a definitive turn. Where once the Gulf was the destination of choice for those seeking overseas opportunity, today’s generation increasingly sets its sights on Europe. This shift reflects changing global realities, evolving ambitions, and a keen desire for quality of life and lasting security.
Countries like Germany, the UK, Ireland, and even Canada have become magnets for Keralites aiming to build lives abroad. The biggest attraction? The promise of permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship. Unlike the Gulf, where a migrant may work for decades without hope of settling down permanently, European nations offer a clear route to long-term migration — and with it, the prospect of real belonging.
2. Work Rights and Social Security: Safety and Respect
Life as a migrant in Europe means strong labor protections and access to vital social infrastructure. Free or affordable healthcare, world-class education, unemployment support, and pensions provide a safety net that many Keralites never experience in the Gulf. The result is a sense of security and dignity: workers know their rights will be respected and their futures safeguarded.
3. Skilled Migration and Study Options
Kerala’s famous nurses, healthcare workers, and educated youths are finding new pathways into Europe, primarily through skilled migration schemes and student visas. Healthcare jobs abound in Germany, Ireland, and the UK, while study opportunities in Poland, France, and beyond often lead to residency and promising careers.
For the Kerala youth, investing in skills and education opens doors that the Gulf increasingly cannot — a future marked by growth, recognition, and personal advancement.
4. Family Life and Quality of Living
European countries welcome not just individual migrants but entire families. Inclusive policies make it possible to reunite, raise children, and build stable homes. Safety, social inclusion, and a high standard of living contrast sharply with the restrictive family visa systems in the Gulf, where bringing dependents is often difficult or impossible.
5. An Aspirational Shift Among Youth
Perhaps most significant is the change in mindset. Today’s young Keralites see Europe as the ultimate “dream destination” — a place where dignity, opportunity, and long-term security are within reach. The Gulf, while still relevant for short-term earning and fallback options, no longer holds the cachet it once did.
Gulf vs Europe: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Gulf | Europe |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Short-term earning | Long-term settlement |
| Legal Rights | Limited | Strong labor laws |
| Citizenship | Not available | PR & citizenship possible |
| Family Visas | Restricted | Family-friendly policies |
| Career Growth | Limited | More opportunities |
| Cost of Living | Rising fast | Varies, often manageable |
| Youth Perception | Practical fallback | Dream destination |
As Kerala stands at the crossroads of its migration journey, the tides of change are unmistakable. The Gulf, once the beacon of hope and prosperity, now shares the spotlight with Europe’s promise of stability, dignity, and long-term opportunity. For Kerala’s families and youth, the future is no longer just about earning—it is about belonging, growing, and building a legacy that spans continents. How this evolving migration story will reshape Kerala’s society and economy in the decades to come remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the dreams of Keralites continue to transcend borders, fueled by resilience and an unyielding quest for a better life.
Abel Thomas VinodSpecial for Arab Times
