Kerala's Migration Pulse: Visualizing Emigration and Net Emigration Trends in 2023

 

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

Figure 1: District-wise emigration from Kerala in 2023, visualized by me using QGIS. The map highlights Malappuram as the leading district in international migration, followed by Thrissur, Kannur, and Kozhikode. Data sourced from the Kerala Migration Survey 2023.

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

Figure 2: Net emigration across Kerala districts in 2023, calculated by subtracting return emigrants from total emigrants. Visualized by me using QGIS, the map reveals Kannur as having the highest positive net emigration, while Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode show a higher rate of returnees than new emigrants. Data sourced from the Kerala Migration Survey 2023.

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.