Nearly 72% of migrant workers surveyed across three southern Indian states said moving to another state for employment had improved their standard of living. About 57% said they planned to continue working in their destination state.
Despite these improvements, many migrant workers continue to face significant challenges. More than 86% of those surveyed did not have a written employment contract, while difficulties accessing welfare schemes and essential services remained widespread. Language barriers, communication difficulties and challenges integrating into local communities were also reported.
The findings are part of the South India Interstate Migration Survey (SIIMS) 2026, which examines interstate migration patterns and the working and living conditions of migrant workers in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The survey covered 1,824 migrant workers employed in sectors including agriculture, fishing and marine activities, daily wage labour, hospitality, textile and garment manufacturing, and scrap collection.
Economic pressures drive migration
The findings indicate that economic insecurity and limited employment opportunities are major factors behind decisions to migrate.
Workers cited low wages in their home states, insufficient employment opportunities, irregular work, the prospect of better jobs, poverty and debt among the main reasons for moving to another state.
Most of the surveyed workers came from eastern and northern parts of India. West Bengal accounted for 26.2% of respondents, followed by Bihar at 21.8%, Assam at 17.1%, Odisha at 12%, Uttar Pradesh at 9.6% and Jharkhand at 5.6%.
The study was conducted by the International Institute of Migration and Development (IIMAD), with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Employment conditions remain difficult
More than 77% of respondents said they had been recruited through channels other than contractors. Nearly 58% reported receiving their wages in cash.
The average monthly income among the surveyed workers was approximately Rs 17,640, while the average working day lasted about 9.87 hours.
The survey also identified a significant gender-based wage gap. Women migrant workers earned approximately Rs 3,313 less per month than their male counterparts, according to the findings.
Limited access to welfare and healthcare
Access to government welfare benefits remains another major challenge for interstate migrants.
Just over 19% of respondents said they could easily access their welfare benefits after moving between states. Around 35% reported being able to access such benefits only partially, while approximately 45% said they had very limited access.
Overall, more than 73% of the surveyed workers reported difficulties accessing welfare services. Healthcare access was also a concern, with about 69% reporting problems obtaining healthcare services.
The survey found that 88.2% of migrant workers were covered by formal financial services. However, financial exclusion was higher in Karnataka, where 26.8% of respondents lacked access, and among workers involved in scrap collection, where the figure stood at 31.3%.
The findings highlight a mixed picture of interstate migration: moving for work can improve household livelihoods and living standards, but many migrants continue to experience insecure employment, limited access to social protection and difficulties obtaining essential services in their destination states.
