Internal migration of workers in search of better livelihood in India is primarily driven by economic factors. A significant portion of migrants come from marginalised sectors of society. They are searching for lucrative areas where they can work and live peacefully at the same time. Kerala has high literacy rates and better education, so the workforce in the unskilled sector is almost negligible. Moreover, the lack of skilled and professional job opportunities in the state has prompted the younger generation to work outside India. This has led to a shortage of workforce in Kerala, especially in the unskilled sector. According to a study conducted by the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation, Kerala has around 2.5 million internal migrants, and every year this number increases by 2.35 lakhs. In fact, Kerala offers the best wage rates in the country for migrant workers and is also less discriminatory than other places.
Migrant workers in Kerala are employed in different fields, mainly in construction, manufacturing, marine fisheries, hotels, agriculture, plywood industries, and even domestic work and pet grooming. It is very difficult to find a native workforce in any of these sectors. Migrants are paid less than native workers and, moreover, they are skilled and hardworking, so migrants are getting better opportunities in the unskilled sector.
Migrant women who accompany their families are paid less than their counterparts as their work does not involve hard labour. They live in unhygienic environments in single rooms where they have to cook and nurture their children. They have psychological and physical issues which are hardly attended to. The government is trying to register their children in public schools, but very few are lucky enough to avail such facilities.
In Kozhikode, there is a huge population of migrant workers, including women and children, working on the outskirts in the agricultural sector. Their visit is seasonal according to the nature of farming. When we visited their settlement areas, we found them living in truly pathetic conditions—uneducated, discriminated against, and struggling for basic dignity. Christ-like compassion filled our minds, and we remembered how Jesus instructed us to care for migrants, as he himself lived as one. With this conviction, we began our mission work among them in 2023 as part of the MEC Marie Eugenie Centre.
Over the past two years, we have realised that each year brings a different set of experiences. Although we remain confident and enthusiastic about working for migrant communities, the attitude of some employers towards us has often been disheartening. The plight of migrant women and children is sometimes painful to witness. Yet, the joy of serving them and journeying with them continues to inspire us and strengthens our commitment to this ministry.
At one centre, for instance, the employer keeps expanding the facility by constructing additional rooms to accommodate more migrant workers, while the amenities provided to them remain minimal. Many of these workplaces operate in informal or poorly regulated sectors, with little regard for safe working environments or protective measures, making the migrants’ living conditions even more vulnerable.
We conducted regular classes for women on various relevant topics such as self-confidence, health and hygiene, leadership skills, and other areas that support their overall growth. In addition, periodic medical camps were organised to ensure their wellbeing.
This year, more land was used for processing and storing the bumper crop of areca nut, leaving very little space for gatherings. At times, even conducting a simple meeting became difficult. Despite these challenges, the women always look forward to our visits. We may be the only ones who regularly visit their camp and provide support. We usually schedule our visits on Fridays when the owner is away for noon prayers, allowing us more freedom to interact with them. However, during peak work periods, our time with them becomes limited as both the employer and the migrants work intensely to earn more. Yet, in the midst of all difficulties, the women remain eager to learn and enthusiastic to gain new information, and we were equally passionate about dedicating more time to them. We were always willing to spend additional time with them, carrying in our hearts their burdens and a hope of helping them towards a better life.
Regular classes for children continued smoothly, and both the children and their parents remained very cooperative. Their enthusiasm for learning is truly motivating. Since we teach the children the alphabets of their native language, every year some of them are able to return to their villages and successfully enrol in school, a matter of great joy for us.
All children underwent medical check-ups and received necessary medicines. We celebrated Girl Child Day with great joy and enthusiasm. Boys and girls exchanged gifts, and we took the opportunity to explain to the mothers the significance of celebrating the girl child.
Each year, we have to recruit and train new teachers because the previous teachers often return to their native places to continue their studies. Our first group of teachers is now pursuing college education, which is a proud achievement for us. The mothers show special interest in ensuring that their children attend classes regularly, and the children’s learning progress brings joy to both us and their parents. There is a growing realisation that education can empower women and children. More students are enrolling in schools in their native places. We experience joy and encouragement in our interactions with them.
Once again, we are convinced that education is the most powerful tool for empowerment. We are grateful for the opportunity to be instruments of change in the lives of these women and children through our various activities and our consistent, encouraging presence among them. It is not money alone, but love, compassion, and friendship that truly help us win hearts, especially those living on the peripheries. As the Lord says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did it for me.”
Sr Alphy Pulikkottil
Province of India