UN Bodies to Survey Reason for Migrants to Gulf from Nizamabad

Four villages — Mallaram and Nyavanandi in Sirikonda mandal, and Dubbaka and Honnajipet in Dharpally mandal — have been selected for the two-year survey. The initiative will focus on factors such as irrigation availability, agricultural potential, and prevailing weather conditions. Organisations including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MMPTF) will lead the project.

For decades, drought conditions, limited industrial development, and other socioeconomic factors have prompted large-scale youth migration from the district and surrounding areas to Gulf countries in search of employment. Many migrants, hindered by illiteracy, lack of skills, or semi-skilled work profiles, face challenging conditions abroad.

Recognising these issues, the UN has decided to conduct the survey in vulnerable areas. The study will involve a broad spectrum of participants, including women’s self-help groups, youth clubs, farmers, and Gulf returnees. Their input is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local scenario.

Based on the findings, officials aim to implement initiatives that could generate local employment, improve agricultural practices, and enhance the welfare of Gulf migrant workers. Representatives of Gulf migrant worker welfare associations will cooperate with the survey teams to ensure ground-level accuracy.

Since the Congress took power in Telangana, several welfare measures have been introduced for Gulf migrants and returnees. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced ex gratia for families of deceased migrant workers. While these efforts have brought relief to many, families have also urged the BJP-led Central government to support Gulf migrant workers, who have contributed significantly to the Indian economy over the past four decades.