The maps presented here offer a compelling visual narrative
of Kerala's migration landscape, based on data from the Kerala Migration
Survey 2023 conducted by S. Irudaya Rajan with support from the Gulati
Institute of Finance and Taxation (GIFT). These visuals delve into two key
aspects: overall emigration patterns and net emigration, highlighting the
districts that are experiencing significant migration pressures and returns.
Emigration Map: Kerala’s Global Footprint
This map presents the emigrant population by district—individuals
who have left Kerala to live or work abroad. This longstanding trend reflects
Kerala's enduring relationship with international migration, particularly to
the Gulf countries.
Key highlights from the map:
- Malappuram
stands out with the highest number of emigrants at 377,647,
continuing its historical trend as a major migration hub.
- Districts
such as Thrissur (233,177), Kannur (212,208), and Kozhikode
(193,697) also record significant emigrant populations, underlining
strong overseas ties.
- Additionally,
Ernakulam has seen a notable rise in student emigration, reflecting
the district’s emphasis on higher education and global exposure. The surge
in students seeking international academic opportunities highlights a
growing aspiration among the younger population for specialized
qualifications and better career prospects abroad.
- Idukki
and Wayanad show notably lower emigration rates, possibly due to
their rural nature.
This distribution pattern underscores the economic and
cultural importance of international migration, with certain districts having
deeply entrenched migration networks.
Net Emigration Map: The Balance of Movement
The second map shifts the focus to net emigration,
calculated by subtracting return emigrants from the total emigrants in each
district. This provides a clearer picture of how migration flows are impacting
the state's demographics.
Noteworthy observations:
- Kannur
emerges as the district with the highest positive net emigration of
105,800, suggesting that while many leave the district, fewer are
returning. This could reflect the region's limited job creation capacity,
pushing residents to seek opportunities abroad.
- Kottayam
(69,547) and Pathanamthitta (60,703) also show substantial
positive net emigration, indicating a steady outflow of skilled labor and
professionals.
- Conversely,
Thiruvananthapuram (-77,778) highlight a different trend. The
capital city, bolstered by the growth of IT hubs like Technopark,
has become a significant employment generator, attracting returnees and
reducing the need for emigration.
- Thrissur
(-6,262) and Kozhikode (-16,591) also exhibit signs of more
people returning than leaving, reflecting a possible shift in economic
opportunities within these districts.
- Ernakulam
(35,107) demonstrates a moderate positive net emigration, but its
economic dynamics are distinct from districts like Kannur or
Pathanamthitta. As Kerala’s commercial capital and home to major urban
centers, Ernakulam benefits from a more diverse economy. Ernakulam’s
moderate positive net emigration could also be attributed to the
increasing number of students pursuing education abroad.
These visualizations provide a nuanced understanding of
migration trends in Kerala, and the need to address the socio-economic
challenges and opportunities posed by migration.
Data Source: Kerala Migration Survey 2023 by S. Irudaya
Rajan.
