A 40-year-old expatriate, Roy George, is eager to vote in the upcoming Assembly elections after a nearly 10-year absence, having returned to Kerala from the UK a few months ago to care for his ailing mother.
Born and raised in Changanassery in Kottayam district, Roy expressed concerns about his ability to vote in future elections, similar to many Kerala families who have moved abroad in search of better opportunities.
The issue of migration has become a central theme in the election campaign, with all political parties promising to create opportunities in Kerala to prevent people from seeking employment abroad.
"It's positive that political parties are discussing migration. However, most people don't move abroad solely for jobs. The significant salary difference between Kerala and foreign countries is a major draw," Roy stated.
Roy's parents and siblings are also working abroad.
The family owns large rubber plantations.
"Our children are accustomed to living abroad and prefer to stay in the UK rather than return to Kerala. Even though we miss our hometown, we may be forced to live abroad as our children will settle there," he said.
During their campaigns, Congress leaders have highlighted that students and job seekers are leaving the state due to unfavorable educational and industrial conditions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also emphasized that opportunities will be created in Kerala to prevent young people from seeking employment elsewhere.
The ruling LDF has promised jobs for all young people who complete their education in Kerala.
Congress MP Hibi Eden told
"We cannot prevent brain drain. However, a large number of people do not want to leave the state and prefer to stay with their families. However, due to unfavorable conditions, they are forced to go. We need to create opportunities here," Eden said.
He acknowledged that matching salaries in Europe and the US would be difficult.
"We have multinational tech companies here offering high salaries. Though lower than abroad, attractive pay packages could encourage people who want to return and settle here. More such companies and infrastructure are needed," he added.
S Irudaya Rajan, chairman of the International Institute of Migration and Development (IIMD), said that as per 2023 estimates, around 23-25 lakh people from Kerala are working abroad, while another 10-15 lakh are employed in other Indian states.
He noted that migration has been a long-standing trend and cannot be stopped.
"Brain drain cannot be stopped. Instead, authorities should focus on brain gain. There should be schemes to attract people back after their careers abroad, rather than letting them settle permanently outside," he said.
Rajan emphasised that migration is not driven by unemployment or lack of educational institutions in Kerala.
"It is estimated that over 35 lakh people from other states are working in Kerala. So, we cannot say there is a lack of opportunities. It is the salary differential that drives people abroad," he said.
He added that migration to Gulf countries is less of a concern, as many return later in life, but policies are needed to address migration to Europe, the US, and Australia, where people tend to settle permanently.
He also pointed to demographic changes, noting that many homes in central and southern Kerala remain locked, while in others only elderly parents reside.
Benoy Peter, executive director, Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development (CMID), said that creating opportunities alone may not reduce migration.
"One key issue is that youth in Kerala are reluctant to take up physically intensive jobs like construction, factory work, and fishing," he said.
Highlighting wage disparities, he added, "A labourer earns over Rs 1,000 a day, around Rs 25,000 a month. In contrast, an educated worker may earn Rs 12,000-Rs 15,000 as a starting salary. This pushes many to study abroad, where they can earn better soon after completing their education."
He said that migration should not be seen as wrong, as foreign remittances are a key driver of Kerala's growth. He also pointed to social factors.
"Our society remains traditional, while youngsters are exposed to modern lifestyles globally through online platforms. They seek more freedom, and a social change is necessary," he said.
Peter said migration is a natural process and cannot be controlled.
"Bringing industries alone cannot curtail migration, as labour-intensive work is already being done by migrant workers from other states. Nearly one in four workers in Kerala is from outside. For Kerala, non-polluting sectors like Information Technology and tourism are more suitable," he added.