Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced his government’s strong commitment to ensuring safe and secure global migration for all Keralites, no matter where their ambitions take them.
Speaking at the global mobility conclave in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Mr. Vijayan highlighted a significant shift in migration patterns. While the pursuit of employment once primarily drove Keralites abroad, today, many are venturing into foreign markets as investors or achieving academic excellence in prestigious international universities.
Official statistics reveal that approximately 2.5 million Keralites, known as ‘pravasis,’ reside outside Kerala. The 2023 Kerala Migration Survey further illustrates this evolving landscape. Traditionally, the Malayali diaspora predominantly settled in West Asian countries. However, this trend is gradually declining, with a growing number of young Keralites choosing destinations like Germany, the U.K., and Australia. This geographical diversification is mirrored by a change in career aspirations; while IT and healthcare were once primary sectors, there’s now a notable increase in demand for management and academic roles.
The survey also indicates that a significant 11% of expatriate Malayalis are students. Acknowledging these positive changes, Mr. Vijayan stressed the importance of addressing the new challenges that accompany them. He proudly noted Kerala’s pioneering efforts in expatriate welfare, having established a dedicated department three decades ago. He underscored that the diaspora’s contributions extend far beyond remittances, encompassing invaluable expertise and talent crucial for the state’s overall development.
The government is actively fostering the participation of expatriates in Kerala’s development journey. This includes organizing targeted skill training programs for returning Keralites, transforming their global work experience into a valuable asset for the local employment sector. Collaborative skill development initiatives with Germany and employment programs with the U.K. and Canada are already underway. Paramount to these efforts is the government’s unwavering focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of all expatriates.
Furthermore, Mr. Vijayan addressed the upcoming ‘Emigration and Recruitment Facilitation Act 2025’ from the Union government, set to replace the existing 1983 Act. He urged all conclave participants to engage in thorough discussions on this draft legislation, emphasizing the need to combat illegal institutions and unscrupulous agents who exploit and defraud individuals seeking opportunities abroad, whether for work or education, despite the presence of many legitimate agencies.