The nationwide lockdown and the sealing of inter-state borders to curb the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the reverse migration of informal migrant workers. The situation has led to various socio-economic challenges in the country especially for the migrant workers i.e., the daily wage labours working in manufacturing and construction industries, and those engaged in agriculture, retail and services.

As the livelihoods of many of these workers were disrupted, several decided to return to their native towns and villages, leading to a situation where different state administrations had to manage their movements.

The Central & State Governments and several Civil Society and Non- Government Organisations have initiated short-term relief aids to reintegrate the migrant workers in the post-COVID-19 economy.

As a long-term measure, skills development is recognized as essential for poverty reduction and enhanced protection for migrant workers and increased productivity and job satisfaction for migrant workers. Skills development also optimizes the employability of migrants in labour markets in the state of origin and destination, as well as ensuring decent work in labour migration. Responsive and more inclusive skills development for women and men migrant workers can thus create positive spillover effects on economic growth for countries of origin and destination, as well as on positive migration outcomes for migrants.

Caritas India and Welfare Services Ernakulam through its Sudhaar, Safe Migration program in Kerala conducted skill development training for migrants in Perumbavoor, Ernakulam district with the support of Kerala State Aids Control Society (KSACS) in SWARUMA hall, Perumbavoor. The training was inaugurated by Fr Ancil Maippan (Assistant Director, Welfare Services Ernakulam) by sharing the importance of skill training and income generation plans. He also announced the provision of financial support for the active participants to start the business.

Ms Siby Paulose, Program Officer of Caritas India in her introductory speech shared about the activities of the Pravasi Bandhu program which assists, supports and protect internal migrant workers in the State. She also shared about the Migration Research Centre in Ernakulam which helps in creating awareness among the potential migrant workers, skill-building, linking them with employment opportunities, ensuring identity cards, registration, creating a database for rights and entitlements, financial inclusion, education of children of migrant workers, policy engagement and networking at state and national level.

Ms Malu NK (Manager. Kerala State Aids Control Society) welcomed the participants, guests and the resource person and thanked Caritas India and Sahrudaya for their support for the foot loss workers and their families. Ms Hersala (Trainer) took the umbrella making session and the participants actively participated in it and they make their umbrella within a time as per the guidance of the trainer.

The second session of soap making was very useful to them because soaps are a daily-use commodity that is very easy to make and sell. And part of the training programme WSE provided materials and kits to the participants. 44 adults were part of the skill training program with 42 women and 2 men. Mr Anandhu Shaji (Consultant, Sudhaar) delivered the vote of thanks in the program.