There has been a 50% increase in the migration of blue-collar workers from India to the Gulf Cooperation Council in the first seven months of 2023, said a new report. This trend has been underpinned by economic opportunities, higher salaries and shifts in migration patterns.
The study, conducted by Huntr, a UAE-based marketplace connecting migrant workers with enterprises, analysed the migration patterns and highlights the factors influencing this trend along with demographic insights, policy changes, and job role predictions for 2024.
The sample size of the study is 100K workers.
Key findings of the report;
In 2023, India’s blue-collar workforce embarked on migration to Dubai, augmenting the existing 2.1 million Indian labourers in the UAE.
The study marked a notable shift in migration patterns, with Kerala, historically a significant contributor, experiencing a drastic 90% decrease over the last decade.
The void left by Kerala was filled by Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, emerging as the foremost contributors to the Gulf migration landscape.
The top five labour-sending states include UP, Bihar, Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, while the preferred destinations remain KSA, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. This transformative migration trend underscores a dynamic realignment in the geographical origins of India’s blue-collar workforce, the report added.
According to the study, the demographic profile of Indian migrants to Dubai in 2023 reveals a workforce primarily concentrated in the 20-40 age range, indicative of individuals in their prime working years. While historically male-dominated, the landscape is evolving with a notable increase in female migrants, particularly in sectors such as hospitality.
Qualifications among migrants vary widely, ranging from minimal formal education to vocational training, with skill sets tailored to specific job roles.
The majority of these migrants hail from lower-income backgrounds, propelled by the aspiration for enhanced financial conditions through opportunities in Dubai’s robust job market. This dynamic mix of age, gender, qualifications, and economic backgrounds characterises the diverse group of blue-collar workers contributing to Dubai’s workforce.
2024 Outlook
The study said that anticipating the employment landscape of 2024, there is a projected surge in demand for specific job roles in Dubai, including Construction Workers, Manufacturing Technicians, Hospitality Staff, and Healthcare Support Staff. This forecast aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s substantial investment in manufacturing and infrastructure, indicating a strategic move to accommodate the influx of skilled workers from India.
Samuel Joy, CEO, Huntr, said, “Amidst these opportunities, blue-collar workers often grapple with challenges such as financial and contractual issues, which collaborative efforts between India and the UAE are diligently addressing to ensure fair recruitment practices. To counter the vicious debt cycle, we play a pivotal role by eliminating middlemen, fostering transparency, and promoting fair recruitment.”
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