Abstract
This report examines the issue of re-integration of Indian migrants who had been working in the construction industry in the Gulf. The report assesses whether the skills gained through work experience abroad increases the employability of migrants once they return to their home country. It addresses the barriers and challenges that they face when they seek employment in the construction sector in India. The report looks at the three stages of the migration experience: prior to departure, in destination and return. First, when the workers are looking for an opportunity in the Gulf. This is the stage at which the worker tries to obtain some skills, either through a private vocational training centre or by first working on a construction site in India. Second, while working abroad, migrants will upgrade their skills. The average period of stay in the Gulf of the respondents interviewed for this study is five years. Third, when workers return to India and seek employment in India. This report focuses primarily on this stage. The report looks into the employability for returning migrants vis-à-vis internal migrants, their wages and working conditions. The report also examines how the construction industry in India views returning migrants and whether there is any preference for their skills, knowledge and experience. It also studies the associational factors that facilitate the re-integration of returning migrants. It is important to note that the Gulf countries only recruit male workers in the construction sector, and therefore, this study focuses only on men.