Why Gulf-Experienced Migrant Workers Struggle to Find Jobs in Kerala
The difficulty Gulf-Experienced Migrant Workers face in finding stable and lucrative employment in Kerala is a significant issue plaguing the region's job market. This phenomenon, often attributed to a combination of factors including ageism, lack of rehabilitation support from the government, and unfair salary offers, has led to a growing discrepancy between expectations and reality for these workers upon return.
The Impact of Ageism and Career Limitations in Kerala
One of the primary challenges faced by Gulf returnees in Kerala is the persisting issue of ageism in the job market. Age often plays a critical role in the recruitment process, making it increasingly difficult for those who have spent significant time in the Gulf to find jobs. For instance, a 30-year-old worker returning from the Gulf may find the expectations and demands of the Kerala job market to be very different from their experience in the Gulf, leading to frustration and disappointment.
The Lack of Vision for Gulf Returnees in Kerala's Rehabilitation Efforts
Unfortunately, the government and political parties in Kerala lack a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate returning Gulf workers. The absence of visionary policies and adequate support to integrate these individuals back into the workforce presents a major hurdle. The lack of tailored rehabilitation programs and training opportunities leaves many Gulf returnees feeling like their previous years of valuable experience are ignored or devalued.
Exception for Skilled Professionals: Engineers and Medical Personnel
While the general narrative paints a bleak picture, there are exceptions for skilled professionals, such as engineers and medical personnel. These individuals often find more favorable job opportunities outside India, leveraging their specialized skills and experiences. Their educational backgrounds and training ensure that they can adapt to new work environments more effectively, leading to higher chances of securing better employment with competitive salaries.
The Current Job Market in Kerala: A Case Study from 2012
To illustrate the stark reality faced by Gulf returnees, consider the situation faced by the author—a Gulf returnee in 2012. Upon returning, the realization that their Gulf experience was essentially worthless to employers in Kerala became apparent. The disparity in salary expectations was particularly devastating. After returning from a 4-year stint in the Gulf, where the author earned a hefty salary of ?60,000 per month, they had to start anew as a fresher in Kerala, earning a bare minimum of ?9,000 per month. This significant drop in income was a major deterrent, making it challenging to accept such a salary, especially considering the original expectations of earning a similar or even higher income.
The Need for Policy and Support
The Kerala government and other stakeholders must prioritize addressing the issues faced by Gulf returnees. A multi-faceted approach is needed to create a more supportive environment for these individuals. Policy measures, such as enhanced rehabilitation programs and tailored job placement initiatives, could help bridge the gap between the skills and experiences of Gulf returnees and the demands of the Kerala job market. Additionally, improving salary structures and offering competitive packages to Gulf returnees can help retain these skilled workers, preventing them from moving abroad in search of better opportunities.
Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort from the government, private sector, and civil society. By implementing strategic measures, Kerala can ensure that its Gulf returnees are better equipped to thrive in the local job market, contributing positively to the region's economic growth and development.