This article reviews the economic and social consequences of labor migration from Kerala to the Gulf Region. In India, Kerala is both the major source of migrant workers and the primary recipient of workers' remittances. Based on a survey of 10,000 households in Kerala, the article presents the economic impacts of labor migration in terms of housing quality and amenities and ownership of consumer durables. The social consequences are assessed in terms of how labor migration has affected the care of the elderly and women's roles. A major policy challenge is preparing for the return of migrants.
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