Back to the Roots: Socio-Economic Policy Making and Re-integration of Kerala's Gulf-Return Migrants amidst the COVID-19

Many gulf countries’ migrants, particularly those from developing countries like India, have been deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kerala, a state with high emigration rates, depends heavily on these migrant workers who form a significant part of its labour force. This research report examines how Kerala has responded to the COVID-19 crisis and highlights its distinct and notable approaches. However, most Gulf migrants work in the informal sector and are unaware of many things. These former key components of Kerala’s economy return home to find themselves excluded, disorganised, and voiceless, as their rights or working environment cannot be fought for. Within the period of COVID-19, more than half a million returnees in Kerala faced numerous problems as well as socio-economic challenges. They were once breadwinners in families, but now face similar hardships within their states. This study examines the macroscopic aspects of the socioeconomic lives of marginalised migrants, as well as the social links that hinder their integration into society, both through state policies and community barriers. The article is based on a survey of 300 respondents from Malappuram and Ernakulam districts, aimed at understanding the intricacies of post-pandemic experiences.