Gulf Professionals Returning to Kerala in Large Numbers: Reasons Behind the Shift

Kerala, the southern Indian state known for its lush greenery and vibrant culture, is experiencing an influx of skilled professionals returning from abroad, particularly from the Gulf region. According to a recent LinkedIn Talent Insights report, over 9,800 professionals have returned to Kerala in the past five years, leading the list of returnees.

The report also reveals that nearly 40% of these professionals are based in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Kozhikode. Notable numbers of professionals have also relocated to Kerala from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Haryana.

Returning professionals from the Gulf bring expertise in business operations, finance, and entrepreneurship, while domestic migrants from states like Karnataka have strengthened Kerala's innovation and technology sectors. K.M. Abraham, the Executive Vice Chairman of K-DISC, sees this influx as an opportunity to align youth with workforce needs and guide higher education institutions to adapt to evolving job markets.

Kerala's hiring sectors align with India's top industries, including IT services, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. The report suggests potential in biotechnology, automation, and advanced analytics, indicating a promising future for these sectors in the state.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan aims to transform Kerala into a knowledge-driven, innovative society that promotes digital literacy and inclusive progress. The growth of Kerala's professional workforce by 172% over the past five years, ranking the state ninth among Indian states, is a testament to this vision.

Women constitute 37% of Kerala's workforce, surpassing the national average of 30%. This gender balance is commendable and indicates a progressive work environment in the state.

Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal views the report as an economic roadmap, offering insights into Kerala's human capital. He emphasizes the need for reskilling initiatives, as the report warns that 39% of core job skills may change or become obsolete by 2030.

Participation in digital and professional training has doubled over the past two years, with emerging skills such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, and financial planning leading the way. K-DISC, a vital tool for connecting youth with workforce needs and guiding higher education institutions to respond to evolving job markets, plays a crucial role in this transformation.

Kumaresh Pattabiraman, Head of LinkedIn India, welcomes the collaboration, stating the report will help Kerala prepare a skilled and competitive workforce for the future. The report is seen as a valuable resource for understanding Kerala's human capital and planning for future workforce development. Other significant contributors to the returning professionals include Saudi Arabia, the UK, Qatar, and the US.

In conclusion, the LinkedIn Talent Insights report provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future potential of Kerala's workforce. The insights gained from this report are expected to help Kerala prepare a skilled and competitive workforce for the future, contributing to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's vision of transforming Kerala into a knowledge-driven, innovative society.

Gulf Professionals Returning to Kerala in Large Numbers: Reasons Behind the Shift