Circular Migration, Circular Migration in India

Circular migration

• Context (TH): Circular migration is characterised by individuals moving between their country of origin and a destination country temporarily in response to employment opportunities.

• This phenomenon is predominantly observed among low-income groups seeking seasonal employment in various locations.

Evolution of Circular Migration

• Circular migration gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with the rise of globalisation.
• Improved transportation and communication, the expansion of social networks, and the growth of multinational corporations boosted the circular migration phenomenon.

Effect of Circular Migration on the Economy

• For a country of origin, circular migration can lead to the flow of remittances, boosting the domestic economy. However, it may also result in brain drain.
• For destination countries, circular migration can help fill low-income, low-skill job gaps. Yet, it can also lead to concerns and cultural conflicts among host populations.

Circular Migration in India

• In India, internal migration has historically followed circular patterns.
• The movement of rural populations to urban areas for employment in manufacturing, construction, and services sectors has been common.
• The uneven development post-liberalization has led to significant inter-state migration, with some states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar witnessing high out-migration rates.

Challenges for Circular Migrants in India

• Circular migrants in India often face exploitation and work in unsafe conditions.
• Language barriers in destination states pose additional challenges.
• Migrants are at the mercy of middlemen or brokers and are subject to precarious, seasonal, and irregular employment.
• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted their vulnerability as many migrants embarked on long journeys back to their hometowns during lockdowns.

Policy Recommendations to address the issue of Migrants

• Harmonize Labor Laws to provide equal protection to all workers.
• Social Security and Health Benefits to migrants, ensuring their well-being.
• Portability of State-Provided Benefits, especially food provided through PDS.
• Skill Development Programs to enhance their employability and income potential.
• Data Collection and Research on migration patterns to inform policy-making.
• Affordable Housing and basic amenities in urban areas
• Legal framework to Protect Migrant Rights

For more info on Migration: PMFIAS NCERT Human Geography Class 11-12 CH.3 Migration