Migration from Kerala surged from 14 lakh in 1998 to 18 lakh in 2003, but saw a slowdown between 2013 and 2018. However, post-2018, there has been a marginal 1.53% increase, indicating a potential shift in migration trends.
Published Apr 10, 2025 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 10, 2025 | 9:00 AM
The number of student emigrants has doubled from 1.3 lakh in 2018 to 2.5 lakh in 2023.
Synopsis: Kerala’s migration story is one of ambition, resilience, and evolving challenges. However, as dreams turn into nightmares for many, the state is ramping up efforts to ensure safe and ethical migration. Through policy interventions, regulatory frameworks, and on-ground enforcement, Kerala is striving to protect its people while embracing its global footprint.
Kerala’s story is one of a people in motion.
Once a trickle, the flow of its people outwards became a torrent, transforming remittances into the state’s lifeblood.
This enduring relationship, however, has evolved, shifting from economic necessity to a quest for higher education and skilled careers, raising critical questions about the state’s future intellectual and economic capital as well as the perils of exploitation.
With financial and human trafficking challenges looming, the state government is urgently crafting solutions.
Remittances from Kerala’s vast migrant community continue to be a crucial driver of the state’s economy, significantly contributing to its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and shaping its socio-economic landscape.
Migrants have not only deepened the market by creating demand for a range of goods and services but have also played a pivotal role in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and real estate growth.
While Kerala had witnessed a declining trend in migration over the past decade, the Kerala Migration Survey (KMS) 2023 reveals a stabilising trend, with 2.2 million emigrants—closely aligning with the 2018 figures.
Interestingly, this stability comes despite a decline in nine out of Kerala’s 14 districts, with a sharp rise in student emigration counterbalancing the overall drop.
The number of student emigrants has doubled from 1.3 lakh in 2018 to 2.5 lakh in 2023, highlighting a generational shift where more youth are emigrating at an early age, driven by educational aspirations.
According to the Economic Review 2024 of the Kerala State Planning Board, migration from Kerala surged from 14 lakh in 1998 to 18 lakh in 2003, but saw a slowdown between 2013 and 2018.
However, post-2018, there has been a marginal 1.53% increase, indicating a potential shift in migration trends.
As per the KMS 2023, migration of students from India is a growing trend and Kerala is poised to become one of the top states in terms of students pursuing education abroad, reflecting the desire for high-quality education and better career opportunities.
It also estimates 2.5 lakh student emigrants from Kerala with Ernakulam having the highest
number of emigrant students at 43,990, followed by Thrissur and Kottayam with 35,873 and 35,382 students, respectively.
Considering the total number of international students aged above 16 years, over 80 percent have gone abroad for higher studies after completing their graduation in Kerala.
Amid a surge in student emigration from Kerala, concerns have mounted over the unethical practices of educational consultancies, with numerous complaints of fraud and exploitation surfacing.
Taking a decisive step, the Kerala High Court, in response to a petition by MK Thomas in 2022, directed action against such malpractices. The petitioner sought relief for students against hardships, exploitation and harassment from educational consultants.
In this backdrop, the Kerala State Higher Education Council appointed a three-member expert committee, chaired by Dr Saji Gopinath, the then-Vice Chancellor of Kerala Digital University, to conduct an in-depth study on regulating consultancy operations.
Based on the committee’s findings, a draft bill has been formulated, paving the way for a robust legislative framework to safeguard students from exploitation.
Currently under review, this proposed legislation aims to bring much-needed accountability and transparency to the sector, ensuring that students receive genuine guidance in pursuing their academic aspirations.
Thousands leave Kerala’s shores each year in search of better livelihoods abroad.
However, while many find success, an increasing number are falling prey to fraudulent agents and illegal networks, leading to financial ruin, imprisonment, or even death.
Recent incidents paint a grim picture of the perils faced by Keralites lured by false promises.
There were reports of Malayali men being recruited to fight for the Russian Army in its war against Ukraine, unaware of the deadly consequences they would face.
In another case, a person from Kerala was allegedly shot dead by the Jordanian Armed Forces while attempting to cross into Israel—an act reportedly driven by false assurances of employment opportunities.
Beyond these high-profile cases, countless others languish in foreign jails after being duped by agents who exploit their desperation.
Trapped in legal battles, they struggle to return home, with families in Kerala left in despair.
These cases serve as cautionary tales, underscoring the urgent need for stricter regulations, awareness campaigns, and diplomatic intervention to protect vulnerable job seekers from falling into the clutches of exploitative agencies.
As concerns mount over illegal recruitments for jobs abroad, Kerala is stepping up its efforts to ensure safe migration.
A major policy initiative is on the horizon, with a committee formed to explore the possibility of legislation to regulate international recruitment.
This move follows a key recommendation from the Fourth Loka Kerala Sabha, which emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in the overseas employment sector.
However, officials of Law Department point to one major challenge, that the regulation of private agencies recruiting people for work abroad falls under the Emigration Act, 1983, which is under the Central Government’s jurisdiction.
This was also highlighted by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
“The issue of regulating agencies that recruit people illegally for work abroad falls under the purview of the Central Government’s Emigration Act, 1983. Only the Central Government has the power to amend the said Act. There does not appear to be any control or legal arrangements over private recruitment agencies that recruit students going abroad for studies. However, a scheme called ‘Operation Shubha Yatra’ has been implemented in the state to prevent such illegal recruitments,” the chief minister said.
“To curb fraudulent recruitments and human trafficking, Kerala launched Operation Shubha Yatra, a joint initiative involving the Kerala Police, Department of Expatriates Affairs, and the Protector of Emigrants under the Ministry of External Affairs,” a Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs official told South First.
“A dedicated 24-hour helpline (0471-2721547) and email support (spnri.pol@kerala.gov.in, dyspnri.pol@kerala.gov.in) have been set up to assist victims and prevent fraud,” he added.
The official further stated that a high-level task force has been established, bringing together officers from NoRKA-Roots, the Protector of Emigrants (Thiruvananthapuram & Ernakulam), and the Kerala Police’s NRI Cell.
Monthly review meetings are being held to assess progress and strengthen enforcement.
At the same time, the state government is of the stance that it is intensifying action against illegal agents operating through coastal routes and airports.
The Kerala Police Cyber Wing is closely monitoring social media platforms to track down fraudulent recruiters, while Anti-Human Trafficking Units have been deployed in all districts under the supervision of a nodal officer.
The Crime Branch IG is leading the efforts at the state level.
Additionally, NoRKA-Roots is actively coordinating with the Indian Embassy and expatriate organizations to rescue and repatriate those stranded abroad due to fake recruitment.
Extensive awareness programmes are also being conducted to educate the public on the risks of illegal migration and visa fraud.
Kerala’s migration story is one of ambition, resilience, and evolving challenges. However, as dreams turn into nightmares for many, the state is ramping up efforts to ensure safe and ethical migration. Through policy interventions, regulatory frameworks, and on-ground enforcement, Kerala is striving to protect its people while embracing its global footprint.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
