Goa: Migration | Goa State PSC (GPSC) Preparation - GPSC (Goa) PDF Download

Historical Migration Patterns of Goans

• Ancient to Modern Times: Migration has been a consistent aspect of development from ancient to modern times, reflecting the movement of peoples across different eras and regions.
• Early Seafaring: Goans have a history of migration dating back to the 10th century, as evidenced by their presence in East Africa. This indicates their early role as seafarers and global movers.
• Colonial Migration: During Portuguese colonial rule, Christian Goans integrated into the Portuguese seafaring tradition. The major sources of Goan immigrants were regions like Bardez, Tiswadi, Salcete, and Mormugao.
• Reasons for Migration: The primary reason for migration was unemployment, as the Portuguese colonial administration did not create sufficient job opportunities in Goa, leading many to seek employment elsewhere.
• Migration Statistics: In the 1930s, approximately 70,000 Goans emigrated, with two-thirds settling in British India. By 1960, one-sixth of Goa's population, which was around six lakhs, was engaged in migration.
• Global Diaspora: Despite its small size, Goa has a significant international diaspora. Unlike Indians in British India, Goans were not used as indentured labor, highlighting their distinct migration experiences.

Migration Patterns of Goans

• Migration to Indian States: Historically, Goans migrated to neighboring Indian states, with such movements being considered international due to Goa's status as a Portuguese colony. Between 1797 and 1813, Goans began working in British armed services in cities like Calcutta, Karachi, Pune, Dharwad, and Bombay.
• 19th to Early 20th Century: From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, Goans started emigrating to Portuguese and British colonies in East Africa. They sought various opportunities in distant lands, and their ability to adapt and integrate into new cultures was facilitated by their cultural syncretism.
• Mid-20th Century Migration: In the 1960s, following an oil boom in West Asia and the Gulf, there was a gradual outflow of semi-skilled and skilled labor from Goa. This was followed by the migration of entrepreneurs, shop owners, and businessmen to European countries, primarily the UK. Later, professionals and the educated elite began moving to more developed countries for better economic opportunities.
• Goan Diaspora Statistics: According to migration surveys, the Goan diaspora spans 50 countries worldwide. Notably, 56% of Goan emigrants are in the Gulf region, 13% in Europe, and others in South and Southeast Asia. The entire Goan emigrant population in North America and 7% of them work on ships.

Economic Impact of the Goan Diaspora

• Investment Contributions: The investments made by the Goan diaspora abroad are relatively minor compared to those from other parts of India. It is estimated that 50-60% of investment in property comes from non-Goans. The economic contribution from the diaspora is around 1.5%, with a significant portion of the investment coming from within the country.
• Impact of Remittances: While the direct investment from the Goan diaspora is modest, their remittances have a substantial impact on the local economy.
• Return Migration Trends: In the past 20 years, economic opportunities in India and a booming property market in Goa have encouraged many Goans to return to their homeland. This trend highlights the need for increased interaction and collaboration between the Goan diaspora and the Government of Goa.
• Desire for Connection: The connection between Goans and their homeland remains strong. Despite being away, Goans often feel a deep yearning for Goa, illustrating that while a Goan can leave Goa, the love for Goa remains.
• Socio-Economic Impact of Migrants: Migrants have become a significant factor in Goa's socio-economic landscape. They can be broadly categorized into poorer migrants, who are often seen in slums, streets, and local buses, and wealthier ones. Approximately 40% of Goa’s population consists of migrants, contributing to the population growth since liberation despite a low birth rate among local Goans.

Issues Arising from Migrant Labor in Goa

• Exploitation by Labor Contractors: The surge in migrant labor in Goa is driven by the greed of labor contractors who bring large numbers of workers for large real estate projects. These contractors often fail to provide promised facilities like water, housing, bathrooms, and crèches, leaving the migrants in precarious conditions.
• Political Exploitation: Politicians exploit the situation by offering migrants housing in slums and identity cards for subsidized food in exchange for their votes. This practice strengthens their political base as higher wages and improved living conditions for these migrants lead to the influx of their families.
• Impact of Transportation: The easy accessibility of railway routes from across India, initially meant to facilitate business, has worsened the problem by making it easier for contractors to bring in new, cheaper labor once projects are completed.
• Perception of Migrants: Goa’s unique cosmopolitan culture and identity lead to the perception that migrants disrupt the local balance. This issue highlights the contrast between Goa and other Indian states in terms of geographical and demographic challenges.
• Contradictions and Local Struggles: Despite being a small state with a distinct identity, Goa faces contradictions in its local policies. The locals continue to advocate for official status for their languages and scripts, and seek government support for their cultural and linguistic needs.

Social, Cultural, and Identity Challenges in Goa

• Socio-Economic Impact of Migrants: Migrants in Goa are a significant factor in the socio-economic landscape, categorized into impoverished and affluent groups. Poor migrants often engage in begging, loitering, overcrowd local buses, and live in slums, fostering anti-outsider sentiments. Wealthier migrants, on the other hand, are buying property across Goa, driving up real estate prices and making housing unaffordable for locals.
• Population Growth Due to Migration: Approximately 40% of Goa’s current population consists of migrants. Despite the low birth rate among local Goans, the population has tripled since liberation, largely due to migration.
• Tourism and Cultural Impact: Goa’s picturesque landscapes, including its beaches and the Western Ghats, have made it a popular tourist destination. However, it now appears that tourists and property buyers have overstayed their welcome, with the local cultural landscape being overshadowed by large concrete structures and a cosmopolitan facade.
• Real Estate and Property Issues: The influx of investments by dubious entities and political figures has inflated land prices, making it difficult for locals to afford homes. The commercialization of land and resources has led to a situation where locals are effectively selling their homes to outsiders, leaving them with limited options.