From 85,092 crores to 2.16 lakh crores; huge spike in money sent by expatriate Malayalees to Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Migration Survey report with data that the money sent by expatriate Malayalees has increased by more than double. 85,092 crores were sent in 2018, but in 2023 it increased to 2.16 lakh crores. An average Malayali who used to send home 96,185 rupees a year now sends 2.23 lakh rupees.

Although the number of expatriates is higher in Malappuram, people from Kollam district are leading in sending money home. 16.2% of the total money sent goes to Malappuram and 17.8% to Kollam district. The Muslim community sends more money, 40.1%. Hindus sent 39.1% and Christians 20.8%. 15.8% of expatriate money is used for housing, 14% for loan repayment and 10% for education.

The survey was jointly conducted by the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation and the International Institute of Migration and Development as per the instructions of the state government. The report was submitted to the government at the inaugural function of the Loka Kerala Sabha.

The survey warns that there is a dangerous situation where the number of expatriates in the state is decreasing and the number of returning expatriates is increasing. The expatriates who were 24 lakhs have now reduced to 22 lakhs. If the number of returning expatriates was 12 lakh in 2018, now it is 18 lakh. The increasing exodus of students is also a concern. The number of student migration in 2018 was 1,29,763. According to the survey, it has doubled to about 2,50,000 in 2023. There are people who migrate abroad at the age of 17. 11.3 percent of the total expatriates now are students. They are taking money out of the country. Female migration and family migration are on the rise. The proportion of female migrants increased from 15.8 percent in 2018 to 19.1 percent in 2023. Women's migration has shifted from GCC countries to Europe and other Western countries.

More expatriates in Malappuram

Most of the expatriates are from Malappuram, 377,647. Among the expatriates, Muslims constitute 41.9 percent, Hindus 35.2 percent, and Christians 22.3 percent. Among the taluks, more expatriates are in Tirur and less in Devikulam in Idukki.

Number of Expatriates

14 lakhs in 1998

18 lakhs in 2003

22 lakhs in 2008

24 lakhs in 2013

21 lakh in 2018

22 lakh in 2023