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Migration to Saudi Arabia has a social cost:
Study
Thursday January 03, 2013 07:59:07 PM,
IANS
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Thiruvananthapuram: A study on migration of Indians to
Saudi Arabia says that despite various economic advantages, there
is also a social cost that migrants are forced to pay over time
for staying away from their kin.
"Remittances from migration potentially improve education and
health outcomes for children. However, the opportunity costs of
absentee parents make children less likely to receive some
essential nutritional inputs, like breastfeeding," says S. Irudaya
Rajan of the Centre for Development Studies here.
Irudaya Rajan along with Jolin Joseph authored the study, 'Living
and Working Conditions of Low and Semi-Skilled Migrants',
commissioned by the ministry of overseas Indian affairs' research
unit on international migration.
The most painful and tangible social cost of migration is the
separation of children from parents, says the study, adding that
the absence of mothers, in particular, results in the breakdown of
the traditional care-giving arrangement.
"In the absence of adequate parental guidance, children grow up
confused and this may manifest in rebellion, school absenteeism,
drop-outs and substance abuse," says Irudaya Rajan.
The study is also part of a book titled: India Migration Report
2012, Social Cost of Migration, which is edited by Irudaya Rajan.
The book is likely to be released at the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas
that begins in the Kerala port city of Kochi Monday.
Irudaya Rajan told IANS that the study focuses on Saudi Arabia,
which is among the world's principal labour destinations, for its
geopolitical importance, the significant size of Indian migrant
population, rigid border controls, stringent laws and the way the
country treats its immigrants.
"The Saudi economic engine relies heavily on its transient
population owing to the low literacy rates and high unemployment
rates of its native population. The abundance of capital on one
side and the shortage of domestic labour on the other led the mass
influx of workers to meet manpower requirements," Irudaya Rajan
adds.
According to the annual report of the ministry of overseas Indian
affairs, Saudi Arabia continues to be the desired destination
among low- and semi-skilled workers from India. The country
attracted about 289,297 immigrants from India in 2011.
However, Irudaya Rajan points out that vulnerabilities of the
Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia warrant immediate attention of the
Indian government.
"The central question for immigration policy must be the balance
between costs and benefits. Human rights apply to all migrants and
we must do more to close the gap between rhetorical support for
migrant rights and tangible commitments to ensure their
well-being.
"The solution lies not only in generating awareness but also in
creating viable alternatives. Pragmatic policies are necessary to
streamline the migration process and help migrant workers and
their families advance on the road to improved life chances," says
Irudaya Rajan.
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