Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Circular Migration

Mains level: Concept- Circular Migration, Circular Migration in India, advantages and challenges and measures

What’s the news?

Circular migration gained prominence in the wake of globalization and technological advancements, facilitating easier mobility. As the world grapples with migration challenges, circular migration emerges as a balanced approach.

Central idea

Circular migration, characterized by the cyclical movement of people between their country of origin and a destination country in search of seasonal employment, has gained significance in the global context. It offers unique opportunities and challenges in the realm of migration policy and development.

Philippe Fargues defines circular migration based on specific criteria, including temporary residence, multiple entries into the destination country, freedom of movement between origin and destination, legal rights for migrants, protection of their rights, and a demand for temporary labor in the destination country.
A key aspect is the completion of at least two loops between two countries, signifying repeated movement.
For instance, if a migrant moves from country A to B and back to A, they are considered a return migrant. However, if they continue to country B again, they have completed two loops, earning them the label of a circular migrant.

For countries of origin: Remittances from circular migrants boost the domestic economy, fostering infrastructure development and improving living standards. However, it also poses the risk of losing skilled individuals to other nations.
For destination countries: Circular migration provides a source of low-skilled labor while minimizing permanent population growth

The growth of jobs in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and services has driven a substantial flow of migrants from rural areas to urban cities.
This trend has been particularly pronounced between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012 when the construction sector witnessed a significant increase in employment, especially for rural males.
This movement has provided rural populations with access to urban employment opportunities.

Uneven development following liberalization policies has led to inter-State migration. States like West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar have witnessed high rates of out-migration.
While Delhi was historically a prominent destination, recent trends indicate an increased flow of migrants to southern States as well.

Migrants often transition from agricultural jobs in their home states to low-skill jobs in destination states.
This shift typically results in increased income, with daily wage laborers in Kerala earning substantially more compared to their counterparts in states like West Bengal.

Household Welfare: Circular migration contributes to better household welfare through remittances sent back by migrants. These funds support improved nutrition, enhanced access to education and healthcare, and an overall increase in the standard of living for migrant families.
Empowerment of Women: The absence of male family members due to migration often leads to increased autonomy and decision-making power for women in migrant households. This shift in gender dynamics can have positive social and cultural implications.

Exploitation and Unsafe Conditions: Migrants, especially in southern States, often find themselves vulnerable to exploitation by middlemen or brokers. They may be subjected to unhygienic and unsafe working conditions, often without protective equipment.
Language Barriers: Language differences pose a significant obstacle for migrants, particularly when migrating to regions where the local language differs from their native tongue.
Resentment and Wage Disputes: Indigenous wage groups and labor unions may resent circular migrants, viewing them as competitors willing to work for lower wages. This can lead to wage disputes and conflicts.
Subsistence Migration: Many circular migrants engage in subsistence-level employment, with limited opportunities for savings or asset creation. Jobs are often seasonal and irregular, contributing to economic precarity.
Return Migration during Crises: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of circular migrants. When a lockdown was imposed in 2020, many migrants embarked on long journeys back to their hometowns due to the lack of job opportunities in the host States.

Ensuring Migrant Rights: Robust protection of migrant rights is crucial to address exploitation and abuse.
Skills Training: Providing migrants with skills training and language proficiency programs can enhance their employability and integration into host communities.
Safety Nets: Establishing social safety nets for circular migrants during times of crisis, such as the pandemic, is essential to prevent humanitarian disasters.
Integration Efforts: Encouraging integration initiatives in destination areas can help migrants feel more included and less marginalized.
Data Collection and Research: Governments should invest in data collection and research to better understand the extent and dynamics of circular migration.

Circular migration presents a viable pathway to balance the needs of development and individual economic advancement. As circular migration continues to shape the global landscape, it is imperative that governments and policymakers adapt their strategies to harness its potential for the greater good.