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Determinants of Wage Differentials Among In-Migrant Workers: Insights from a Primary Study Conducted in Kozhikode District, Kerala, India

Author

Listed:
  • Mohamed Saalim

    (Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC))

  • Sobin George

    (Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC))

Abstract

The state of Kerala attracts a large number of in-migrant workers from different parts of India, and available estimates show that there were more than 25 lakh in-migrant workers in Kerala. While higher wage rate in Kerala is regarded as a major pull factor of migration, it is not clear whether in-migrants in Kerala receive wages at par with the natives or above the minimum wages stipulated by the state government for various sectors. Also, there is little evidence available on the wage differentials among the in-migrant workers. Drawing on a primary study conducted at various sites of Kozhikode district in Kerala, this paper attempts to address these questions. The paper illustrates that wage differentials exist at two levels. First is the wage differential between natives and in-migrants irrespective of their skill levels. Second is the wage differential that exists between migrant workers from West Bengal and other states. Further, it shows that the wage differentials among in-migrants workers can be attributed to discrimination that face by being not sufficiently integrated to the Kerala society. The results shed light on the need for state interventions to level the wages of migrants and natives on the one hand design programs for the integration of guest workers who still live on the margins of Kerala society on the other.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohamed Saalim & Sobin George, 2021. "Determinants of Wage Differentials Among In-Migrant Workers: Insights from a Primary Study Conducted in Kozhikode District, Kerala, India," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 64(4), pages 981-997, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijlaec:v:64:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s41027-021-00349-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s41027-021-00349-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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