UNFPA report: Low wages, poverty, debt drive migrant workers to seek better lives

A recent UNFPA report reveals that low wages, poverty, and mounting debt are driving many migrant workers in south India to seek better opportunities elsewhere. Out of 1,824 surveyed workers, 72% reported that their standard of living has improved due to migration, and 57% plan to continue working in their destination state. However, the report also highlights significant challenges faced by these workers.

Nearly 86% of migrants lack signed employment contracts, while many struggle with accessing welfare and essential services, and experience language, communication, and social barriers. Key reasons for migration include low wages, lack of jobs, better opportunities, irregular employment, poverty, and debt. The majority of migrants come from West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.

The study, conducted by the International Institute of Migration and Development in collaboration with UNFPA and IOM, also brings to light a gender disparity, with women workers earning around Rs 3,313 less per month than men. Furthermore, only 19% of migrant workers can easily access welfare benefits, 35% can do so partially, and 45% barely manage to do so.

Over 73% face difficulties accessing healthcare. The report recommends implementing One Nation One Ration Card to ensure welfare benefits follow workers, establishing multilingual help desks and helplines, strengthening labor inspections, and improving coordination between states. Andrea M Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative, emphasized that the study provides a clear roadmap for stakeholders to address these critical gaps and improve the lives of migrant workers.