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The Kerala Gulf Boom refers to the mass migration of a large number of people from the Indian state of Kerala to the Gulf Countries from 1972 to 1983 . Though migration of Malayalis, the people of Kerala to the Gulf Countries continue to the present day, this initial wave of migration is usually referred to as the Kerala Gulf Boom. As of 2008, the Gulf countries altogether have a Keralite population of more than 2.5 million, who send home annually a sum of USD 6.3 billion.^[1]

[edit] Background

Huge Oil reserves were discovered in the Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf in the 1930s, and commercial extraction began in the early 1950s. Soon, these countries became the major Oil exporting countries of the world, and amassed huge riches within a short span of years, a feat that perhaps have no historical rival. However, these nations were handicapped by small population and thin labor force with low level of skills. Thus, they had to open the doors wide to non national manpower at all skill levels, to meet the challenge. India who was teaming with unemployment rallied in the race to grab the opportunity, with Kerala in the forefront. Historical ties and religious identity of certain sections of the population (Mappilas) helped to forge a bond with Gulf Countries. To this day, Mappilas dominate the Kerala diaspora of the Gulf^{[citation needed]}.

[edit] Effect in Kerala

As Migrants began to send money back home, it rapidly penetrated into all walks of life. This contributed to a substantial rise in the standard of living of the people of Kerala. Gulf migrants, most of whom were from the working and the lower middle classes had gradually been gaining social status. A myth was in the making- myth of the 'Gulf man'. Gulf migrants were highly sought after as bridegrooms. their attractive earnings, irrespective of their shortcomings, enabled them to marry into wealthy and respected families.

[edit] References