Gulf Migration and Its Economic Impact-The Kerala Experience

The Kerala Experience B A Prakash Inflow of large amount of Gulf remittances and its spending has resulted in unprecedented economic changes since mid-1970s in poor and industrially backward economy of Kerala. The Gulf migration has helped the migrant households to attain higher levels of income, consumption and acquisition of assets, resulting in overall reduction of poverty in Kerala. But, on the other hand, the Gulf remittances have also pushed up prices of land, construction material, consumer foods and charges on health, education and transport, adversely affecting non-migrant households belonging to poor, middle class and fixed income groups.