Impact of Covid-19 on Migration in India

The Covid-19 pandemic severely disrupted migration across India, leading to significant shifts in the economic and social landscape.

Urban-to-Rural Reverse Migration

• During the first lockdown, India experienced a net reverse migration of 44.13 million, followed by 26.3 million during the second lockdown.
• This migration involved primarily low-wage, low-skilled, seasonal, and short-term migrants.
• Migrants faced challenges such as wage theft, food insecurity, lack of healthcare, discrimination, and brutality.
• Families dependent on remittances suffered economic strain.
• Most returned to urban areas post-pandemic due to limited rural economic opportunities.

Factors Influencing Migration

• Lack of rural job opportunities and economic distress.
• Climate change affecting agriculture, contributing to migration from affected areas like Odisha.
• Urban migration anticipated to grow, with 40% of the population expected to live in cities by 2026.
• The Smart Cities Mission promoting urban development and reliant on migrant labor.

International Migration Shifts

• Indian emigrants faced job losses, wage cuts, and poor living conditions abroad.
• Despite hardships, remittances to India remained crucial for supporting households.
• Migration to the GCC remains strong, while Europe is increasingly popular for highly skilled Indians.
• Emerging migration destinations include Malta, Georgia, Eastern Europe, and African countries.
• Significant demand for Indian healthcare workers globally.

Student Migration Trends

• Increase in student emigration, with Kerala witnessing a rise from 1.29 lakh in 2018 to 2.5 lakh in 2023.
• RBI reports outward remittances for education peaking at $3,171 million in 2021.

Government Initiatives and Challenges

• The e-Shram portal launched to create a national database of unorganized workers and provide social security.
• The One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme to improve migrant food security needs enhancement.
• The delay of the 2021 Census and lack of updated migration data hamper assessment efforts.

Recommendations for Improved Migration Governance

• Need for systematic evaluation and reform of government policies and social security initiatives.
• Establishment of a comprehensive database of Indian emigrants is essential.
• Replication of the Kerala Migration Survey model in other states to improve policy responses.