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Workers

Migrant Labourers in Kerala Face Precarious Health Issues: Study

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Migrant labourers have been the backbone of Kerala's labour sector, with around 34 lakh currently employed in various sectors. Despite their hard work, many struggle with sleep disturbances, loneliness, and anger issues due to living in cramped conditions and financial insecurity. A study by MG University highlights the urgent need for interventions to improve their living conditions and healthcare access.

Key Takeaways:

  • 62% of migrant workers in Kerala face sleep disturbances, 43% experience loneliness, and 41% have anger issues, as per a study by MG University.
  • Financial insecurity and staying away from families are two major factors causing stress among migrant workers.
  • Workers are forced to share small rooms, with an average space of 8-10 sq ft per person, leading to disturbed sleep and mental health issues.
  • Many migrant workers are ignorant of government healthcare benefits they are entitled to, and rely on home remedies and over-the-counter drugs to alleviate health issues.
  • Only 4 lakh workers have been registered in the labour department's Athidhi portal, whereas the projected number of workers in the state is around 34 lakh.
  • 173 migrants died in harness between 2014 and May 21, 2025, in Kerala, as per RTI data.
  • Women reported particularly high levels of stress in the study, and many have limited access to smartphones, with some relying on their husbands' phone for limited periods.
  • Married women and family members have limited use of smartphones, contributing to low awareness of preventive care.

Statistics:

  • 1,554 migrant workers were studied over almost three years.
  • 34 lakh migrant workers are currently employed in Kerala.
  • 62% of migrant workers face sleep disturbances.
  • 43% experience loneliness.
  • 41% have anger issues.
  • 4 lakh workers have been registered in the labour department's Athidhi portal.
  • 173 migrants died in harness between 2014 and May 21, 2025, in Kerala.

Sources:

  • MG University, "Effect of Social Institutional and Technological Interventions on Access to Healthcare Among Interstate Migrant Labourers in Kerala"
  • RTI, data on migrant deaths in Kerala between 2014 and May 21, 2025.

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