High Reverse Migration Of Students: Is Kerala Now Prepared?
By Leon Jose Vithayathil, WFY Bureau | Economy & Business | The WFY Magazine, February, 2026, Edition
Is Kerala Prepared for Reverse Migration of Global Students?
For many years, migration has helped Kerala grow. People went abroad for study & work, sent money home, and improved their lives. In recent years, thousands of young people from Kerala went to countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe for higher education. Most of them took large education loans with the hope of getting good jobs after their studies. Today, that hope is slowly fading.
Why Are Students Coming Back?
Many countries have made strict visa rules and reduced job opportunities. After completing their studies and post-study stay period, many students are unable to get job visas. As a result, they are forced to return to Kerala without jobs.
According to the Kerala Migration Survey 2023, about 2.5 lakh students from Kerala are studying abroad. Experts predict that 50,000 to 1 lakh students may be forced to return to Kerala between 2026 and 2027 as they are unable to find jobs with work visa after completing higher studies abroad.
The Burden of Education Loans
Most students went abroad by taking loans between ₹15 lakh and ₹45 lakh. When they return without jobs, repaying these loans becomes very difficult. Even if they get a job in Kerala, the salary is often too low to manage loan payments and daily expenses.
Because of this, many families face serious financial stress. Some students lose property, face bank action, or fall into long-term debt.
Mental Health Problems
Unemployment and debt also affect mental health. Many young people suffer from stress, anxiety, and depression. Some lose confidence in themselves and feel they have failed their families. There are reports of suicidal thoughts among affected youth.
Families also suffer. Relationships break down, and social pressure increases.
Wrong and Risky Choices
To avoid returning home, some students make wrong decisions. A few enter fake marriages to stay abroad. Others join new courses in different countries, increasing their debt. Some spend more money trying illegal ways to get job visas. These actions only make their problems worse.
Impact on Kerala
Kerala’s job market is already under pressure. The return of thousands of highly educated but unemployed youth will:
- Increase unemployment
- Create strong competition for limited jobs
- Waste skills and talent
- Slow down economic growth
When educated youth do not get jobs, it affects the future of the state.
Is Kerala Ready?
At present, Kerala does not have a clear plan to handle this situation. There is no proper data on returning students and no strong system to use their skills effectively.
What Should Be Done?
The new state government which will be coming to power in the next couple of months needs to act quickly:
- Education Loan Support: Give loan repayment breaks, reduce interest, and allow flexible repayment.
- Job Creation and Skill Use: Create jobs in IT parks, startups, and remote work. Prepare a database of returning students and their skills.
- Mental Health Support: Start counselling helplines and free mental health support programmes.
- Support for Startups: Help young people start businesses with loans, training, and tax benefits.
- Request Central Government to Intervene: Central Government can conduct bilateral talks requesting better post-study work options for students.
Conclusion
The students returning to Kerala are not a problem. They are educated, skilled, and capable. If the government supports them properly, they can help build Kerala’s future.
Reverse migration is a warning and an opportunity. The real question is not whether students will return, but whether Kerala is ready to welcome them and give them hope.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The WFY Magazine. This content is intended for general informational and economic discussion only and should not be construed as financial, investment, legal, or professional business advice.
