The Indian state of Kerala is one of the largest blocs of migrants in the oil economies of the Arab Gulf. Looking closely at the cultural archives produced by and on the Gulf migrants in Malayalam -- the predominant language of Kerala -- this book takes stock of circular migration beyond its economics. It combines formal and thematic analyses of photographs, films, and literature with anthropological and historical details to offer a nuanced understanding of the construction of the Gulf and its translation to the cultural imaginary of Kerala. It explores the dissonance between the private and public discourses on the Gulf among migrants and non-migrants, and demonstrates the role of this disjuncture in the continued fascination for Gulf migrant lives. An enquiry into the various dimensions of the Gulf in Kerala, as an acknowledged means of living, as a rumour, an object of gossip, a public secret, or even a private thrill, this book debunks the idea of language as a common entity and studies the tentative borders built within. Finally, it explores the resources, possibilities, and perils of affiliative communities constructed along and across those borders.

South Asians constitute the largest expatriate population in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Their contribution in the socio-economic, technological and educational development of GCC nations is immense. This book offers one of the first systematic analysis of South Asia–Gulf migration dynamics and its varied impact on countries such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It deals with public policy, socio-economic mobility, remittance policy, global financial crisis and labour issues. Bringing together essays from contributors from around the world, the volume reveals not only the multi-dimensionality of the migration process between the two regions, but also the diversity and the underlying unity of the South Asian countries. This book will be invaluable to scholars and students of migration studies, development studies and sociology as well as policy-makers, administrators, academics, and non-governmental organisations in the field.

This edited volume contains sixteen chapters by eminent scholars on one of the largest migration corridors in the world i.e., between South and South-East Asia and the Gulf region. Asia’s trade and cultural contact with the Gulf date back to ancient historical times. Since the 1970s, the economic rise of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries owing to the discovery of oil has inspired a huge influx of migrant workers from Asia. At present, out of roughly 15 million expatriates in the Gulf region, Asians constitute around 12 million (80 percent). The chapters in this book look at migration from countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia and Philippines to the different GCC countries. A few chapters also focus on migration from the India state of Kerala- a state where migration to the Gulf is prominent and where remittances make up over 36 percent of the state GDP. Furthermore, the issues covered range from labour practices and policies, citizenship and state protection, human rights, gender and caste as well as diaspora. This book explores the multifaceted nuances of the ‘Asia-Gulf migratory corridor’ and unearths future prospects and strategic implications. The book examines remittance behaviour, changing gender roles of immigrants, social-spatial mobility, migrant policies, human rights, sense of belonging and identity and perception, and the interaction between nationals and non-nationals. The book will be of interest to researchers in the areas of demography, migration and gender studies as well as social science researchers, policy makers, human rights lawyers, civil society institutions working on migration, Gulf studies programmes and centres on South-Asian and Middle-Eastern studies.

Combining visual and literary analyses and original ethnographic studies as part of a more general political reflection, Migration in the Making of Gulf Space examines the role of migrants and non-citizens in the processes of settling in the Arab States of the Gulf region. The contributions underscore the aspirational character of the Gulf as a place where migrant recognition can be attained while also reflecting on practices of exclusion. The book is the result of an interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars and includes an original contribution by the acclaimed author of the novel Temporary People, Deepak Unnikrishnan.

In this comprehensive Handbook, an interdisciplinary team of distinguished scholars from the social sciences explores the connections between migration and social policy. They test conflicting claims as to the positive and negative effects of different types of migration against the experience of countries in Europe, North America, Australasia, the Middle East and South Asia, assessing arguments as to migration’s impact on the financial, social and political stability and sustainability of social programs. The volume reflects the authors’ curiosity about the controversy over the connection between social and cultural diversity and popular support for the welfare state. Providing timely and original chapters which both critique the existing literature as well as build on and advance theoretical understanding, the authors focus on the formal settlement and integration polices created for migrants as well as corollary state policies affecting migrants and migration. A clutch of chapters investigates the linkage between migration and trade theory, foreign direct investment, globalization, public opinion, public education and welfare programs. Chapters then deal with leading receiving states as well as India and the authors examine the regulation of migration at the subnational, national, regional and global levels. The topic of migration and security is also covered. This compelling and exhaustive review of existing scholarship and state-of -the-art original empirical analysis is essential reading for graduates and academics researching the field.

This book explores issues of rights, issues, and challenges faced by Indian migrant workers in the GCC countries. It focuses on the struggle of migrants in the state of origin and destination states and how the process of migration shapes the identity and existence of migrant workers. The essays in the volume focus on policy, rights, issues, and challenges faced by migrants as well as the long-term challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With contributions from academics and policymakers, this book will be of interest to scholars and researchers of migration and diaspora studies, public policy, and South Asian Studies.

Climate change has become one of the primary drivers of human migration, with many observers predicting that its impact will outweigh all other man-made factors in the near future. While some natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, result in immediate and direct human displacements, climate change-related emergencies, such as drought and erosion, result in slow but steady migrations. As climate change increases the likelihood of natural disasters, the consequences will have far-reaching implications for local and cross-border displacements, as well as international policymaking. The edited volume combines two broad objectives. First, it intends to present an alarming and innovative perspective on climate change through case studies from around the world. Second, it will provide a new perspective on migration from the perspective of global and regional dynamics that force people to migrate. With a special emphasis on Türkiye’s climate change policy and its organizational capacity to meet new challenges that have emerged, especially after its successful response to the massive influx of Syrian refugees, the edited volume overall aims to inspire international organizations and governments to find long-term solutions to this dynamic process.