I Was One of Them: The Journey of Return Migrants Becoming Subagents in Keralas Recruitment Networks

Title

I Was One of Them: The Journey of Return Migrants Becoming Subagents in Keralas Recruitment Networks

Creator

Bhattacharjee, Anurupa; Thomas, Princy

Description

Kerala has long been a prominent hub for international labour migration, with a unique phenomenon of return migrants transitioning into subagents supporting blue-collar workers navigating recruitment networks. These returnees leverage their personal migration journeys to address challenges faced by prospective migrants. Yet, little is known about what motivates them to assume this role and how they contribute to the broader migration process. This qualitative study examines the lived experiences of return migrants turned subagents, shedding light on their motivations and the ripple effects of their work on migration systems. Drawing on 22 in-depth interviews, the findings reveal three interconnected themes: (1) utilizing lived migration experiences to build empathy and trust; (2) creating a bridge between aspirants and recruitment agencies through cultural and procedural expertise; and (3) fostering a sense of purpose by addressing systemic challenges they once faced. These insights demonstrate how return migrants unique positionality enhances recruitment efficiency and reliability, offering micro-level support to migrants and meso-level improvements to recruitment systems. This study contributes to the growing literature on migration facilitation by highlighting the transformative role of return migrants in reshaping recruitment practices, with implications for migration policy, workforce mobility, and sustainable recruitment frameworks. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.

Source

Journal of International Migration and Integration;Volume;26;Issue;2;pp.743-770

Date

01-01-2025

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media B.V.

Subject

Blue-collar migration; Kerala; Recruitment networks; Return migrants; Subagents

Coverage

Bhattacharjee A., Department of Sociology and Social Work, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Bengaluru, India; Thomas P., Department of Sociology and Social Work, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Bengaluru, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISSN: 14883473;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-025-01243-3

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85218706405?origin=resultslist