Kerala is seeing a major rise in skilled professionals coming back home from overseas, especially from the Gulf, according to a LinkedIn Talent Insights report presented at the Skill Kerala Global Summit in Kochi. The event was organised by the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC).
Returnees from Gulf and Beyond
The study shows more than 9,800 professionals returned from the UAE in the last five years, making it the single largest source. Saudi Arabia and the UK followed with over 1,600 each, while Qatar sent back 1,400 and the US over 1,200.
Domestic Migration Also Strong
Kerala is also receiving professionals from other Indian states. About 7,700 moved back from Karnataka, followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Haryana. Experts noted that regional inflows are driven by technology, while global returnees bring expertise from fields like civil and mechanical engineering.
Why Professionals Are Returning
According to the report, most returnees are looking for roles in IT, healthcare, tourism, and education. Others are coming back to start businesses. Stable jobs, family connections, and a healthier work-life balance compared to metro cities or Gulf jobs are the key pull factors.
Skills and Expertise Coming In
Around 52 percent of global returnees are from the UAE, often with backgrounds in business operations, finance, and entrepreneurship. Migration from Karnataka, on the other hand, has boosted Kerala’s tech and innovation workforce, especially in product management, research, and education.
Growing Talent Pool in Kerala
The report highlights a 172 percent increase in Kerala’s professional talent pool over the past five years, placing the state ninth in India. Nearly 40 percent of this workforce is concentrated in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Kozhikode.
Policy and Future Directions
K-DISC says these findings will shape Kerala’s future talent policies, global collaborations, and investment in emerging industries, while also strengthening local skill development initiatives.
