ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Educational and Employment Migration from Kerala to the United Kingdom after COVID-19: Experiences, Challenges, and Implications for Social Work Practice

This study explores how migration patterns from Kerala, India, to the United Kingdom have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on the shift from student visas to Skilled Worker visas. While migration from Kerala has traditionally been directed towards Gulf countries, a noticeable move towards education-led migration followed by employment in the UK has emerged in recent years. Difficult economic and social conditions in Kerala continue to play a key role in driving this trend. The study is based on a survey of 200 participants. Most respondents were young adults, with 56.5% aged between 26 and 30, and a majority (74%) identifying as women. The main motivation for migration was the search for better job opportunities (43.5%). However, the findings reveal what can be described as a “migration paradox”. Although many migrated with strong qualifications, 91.5% are currently working as healthcare assistants, and 84.5% report a clear mismatch between their qualifications and their current jobs. The study introduces a “Triple Insecurity Model” to explain the challenges faced by these migrants. This includes three key layers of insecurity: uncertainty about long-term settlement (reported by 91%), difficulties related to employer sponsorship (92%), and experiences of workplace discrimination (95%). Together, these challenges contribute to significant psychological strain and difficulties in adapting to a new cultural environment. Overall, the findings suggest that current sponsorship systems may disproportionately disadvantage ethnic minority migrants and push skilled individuals into lower-skilled roles. The study highlights the need for timely policy reforms and recommends that social work professionals adopt culturally sensitive approaches to better support migrants from Kerala facing these complex challenges.