Back to the Beginning: Background Perspectives on Return Migration from West Asia

Author(s): Parvathy AV and Dr. B Pradeep Kumar

Abstract:

Return migration from West Asia has emerged as a significant socio-economic and demographic phenomenon, particularly for regions which has long-standing migration linkages such as India and Kerala. This article examines the historical foundations, determinants, and evolving patterns of emigration and return migration from West Asia, mainly focused on global level, Indian, and Kerala-specific contexts. Furthermore the article underscores the complex nature of the return migration, encompassing economic, social, and psychological aspects of reintegration, while distinguishing between voluntary and involuntary returns. Based on the examination of secondary data, policy documents, and migration surveys, this article investigates recent trends intensified by global disruptions including the COVID-19 pandemic and fluctuating oil economies. The analysis give emphasis on global and Indian contexts, but primarily focusses on Kerala, where significantly impacted by large-scale return migration has altered labour markets, remittance flows, and household well-being. Consequently, the article highlights the need for developing a comprehensive, context-specific reintegration frameworks to ensure that return migration serves as a catalyst of sustainable development and social cohesion.

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Pages: 148-155     |    2 View     |    0 Download