Recruitment of overseas migrant workers: Mechanisms, exploitation and vulnerabilities Naik N. Ganesh Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh Online published on 24 October, 2019. Abstract Research Subject The growing occurrence and significance of international labour migration from India to gulf countries has become an important area of interest in policy research. However, little attention has been given to understand and study the overseas recruitment practices and challenges faced by migrants in source country. Methodology The methodology used in this study was quantitative in nature, based on primary data. Results That on account of limited economic opportunities at home, workers from rural villages migrate to gulf countries to raise family income and pay significantly in excess of the real cost of recruitment fees in the form of borrowings at high interest rates from informal sector, leading to extreme indebtedness. The findings further shed light on the reasons for heavily reliance on sub-agents. Research findings confirm that excess costs borne by workers arise from a variety of factors, including a high degree of informality and a lack of transparency in recruitment. The paper ends with policy recommendations for promotion of safe migration in order to accrue its benefits and to this end, need to conduct detailed mapping of international migration for better understanding of migration. Top Keywords Gulf migration, Migrants, Recruiting agency, Sub-Agents. Top |