Abstract
The study tries to understand the developing migration patterns that
exists among coastal communities in Trivandrum and consequent lifestyle
and livelihood changes. The population of the study is both migrants and
returned migrants (from the Gulf countries) in the Pozhiyoor fishing
community. This research presents findings from a qualitative research
where ethnographic approach was used and data was collected through
in-depth interviews. The paper gives special emphasis on challenges
faced by the fishermen migrants during Covid-19 pandemic and policy
failures at the local level. The research provides empirical evidence
that the current migration patterns in the coastal fishing hamlets is
closely connected to the local livelihood practices (both traditional
and modern) and eagerness to improve their social and economic position.
It also shows, acquiring better social status, finding new employment
opportunities and overcoming economic challenges were the key factors
led the fisher migrants to think about international migration.