The textbook definition of a migrant is ‘a person who moves from one place to another, especially in order to find work or better living conditions’. By that definition, I wouldn’t be wrong in saying that anyone of us can be a migrant. By that definition, it could be anyone who moves between two metro cities, from a smaller city to a bigger one or even the opposite, as far as sound reasoning goes.
Migrants have the courage to seek better opportunities, leaving behind so much to go into a world that is alien to them, in terms of surroundings, people and sometimes also in the matter of the religious affiliation and social fabric. In my opinion, they are selfless warriors who are taking this path to improve the life of their family, more often than not, working doubly hard to maximize their earning. Thus, the place where they move, reaps the benefits of their hard work, higher productivity and improved profit margins.
The world of arts for time immemorial has taken inspiration from the theme of ‘Human Migration’ and has given a substantial quantum to the audience to choose from. But it took the current COVID-19 crisis to truly bring the theme to the centerstage glistening in the spotlight and make it consequential for nearly all.
People from privileged backgrounds across the country have moved back home and reunited with their families before the lockdown was formally announced or even during it seeking necessary permissions. Not one made it to the headlines with the term ‘migrant’ being attached to them as the only identifier. Why then is the term ‘migrants’ being used only for the blue-collared workforce (skilled or semi-skilled, not so educated and definitely less privileged) that in reality form the backbone of our cities? Why this human who has moved in search of work been given the connotation of a ‘migrant’ while their white-collared counterpart is not given the same connotation, even though both are working towards the same objective? When a white-collared professional moves to greener pastures, it is considered as a brilliant career move unlike a blue-collared worker for whom it is declared as a mere necessity!
So, it might be safe to say that the term in fact has no real basis for its use but to simply bracket an allegedly homogenous group of people. Of these ‘migrant workers’ some are plumbers, electricians, drivers, watchmen, construction workers or workers in the manufacturing or other traditional sectors. I fail to understand how people coming from myriad professions could have only unifying characteristic- not belonging to the place where they work!
This brings me to the next question- Why are domestic and international migrants the most discriminated in case of any social, political or economic distress? One can understand caste and religion being used to incite emotions for economic and political gains & interests. But I fail to understand why someone toiling to keep themselves and their families afloat, working to benefit of the organization and country is plonked in a category that warrants unjust treatment?
During the COVID-19 crisis, narrow-mindedness has given rise to headlines that have fashioned the ‘tragedies of human lives’ as the ‘tragedies of migrants’. The kind of work one does seems to be a bigger discriminatory issue as compared to any other issue.
As a professional in the jobs and opportunities landscape for two decades, I have closely observed through experience and can conclude that if ‘migrant workers’ don’t migrate, developing and developed economies will most definitely come to a halt. In the work that I undertake through Gloscout, I will continue to strive to better the lives and livelihood opportunities for all workers alike, across the globe.
Respect for ‘Work’ & not ‘Nature of Work’ is what will define the world going forward. At a broader societal level, let’s give them the dignity, recognition and respect they deserve. Inclusivity and diversity (all workers- white, grey or blue-collared) is what will bring prosperity to one and all.