Impacts and challenges of reverse migration in the age of Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Migrant workers were left jobless, moneyless and homeless following the Covid-19 lockdown. With no availability of livelihood and worsening conditions, reverse migration started with all migrants returning to their native homes by any means available. Given its size and spread, management of migrants under and after the lockdown represented massive logistic challenge. Migrants cannot be neglected as a stakeholder in the development process. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the struggle of migrant workers during Covid-19 pandemic.Objectives: 1.To determine the compulsions of migrant workers. 2. To discuss the response, action plan, challenges and strategies of the government to tackle reverse migration. Methodology: Methodology has been descriptive and analytical. Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, Telangana provided better facilities to migrant workers. Results: Government emphasised that immediate concerns faced by such migrant workers were primarily related to food, shelter, healthcare, loss of wages and concerns about the family.