Why is it in the news?

• Recently, debates about circular migration had been in news.

About Circular Migration

• Circular migration involves people moving back and forth between a destination country and their country of origin based on the availability of employment. It is common among low-income groups seeking seasonal jobs in different locations.

Criteria for Circular Migrant

• Completing at least ‘two loops’ between two countries qualifies someone as a circular migrant.
• A circular migrant periodically moves between two countries for purposes of economic advancement, such as employment or business.

Characteristics of Circular Migration

• Temporary residence in the destination location.
• Multiple entries into the destination country.
• Freedom of movement between the country of origin and destination during the period of residence.
• Legal right to stay in the destination country.
• Protection of migrants’ rights.
• Healthy demand for temporary labour in the destination country.

Policy Challenges and Debates

• Migration, including circular migration, is a major policy issue globally.
• Brain Drain and competition for jobs are concerns for both origin and destination countries.
• Circular migration is seen as a balanced approach that benefits both sending and receiving nations.

Benefits of Circular Migration

• For the country of origin, circular migration can bring remittances that boost the domestic economy.
• Foreign capital inflow enhances infrastructure, job opportunities, and living standards.
• Brain circulation allows individuals to use their talents in both countries while contributing to remittances.

Challenges of Circular Migration in India

• Internal migration in India is often circular, with rural populations moving to urban areas for employment.
• Migration can lead to infrastructural challenges in urban areas and agrarian stagnation in rural areas.
• Circular migrants may face exploitation, language barriers, and job precarity in host states.
• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of circular migrants.

Policy Recommendations

• States should actively formulate policies to understand the extent of circular migration.
• Measures should be taken to protect the rights and welfare of circular migrants.
• Efforts should be made to integrate migrants into destination states.