Introduction

This book investigates the critical phenomenon of reverse migration during the COVID-19 pandemic in India, revealing the lived experiences of reverse migrant workers amid unprecedented social and economic upheaval.

Context and Scope

Through a comprehensive study rooted in the context of India’s nationwide lockdown, it traces the culture of reverse migration, explores crisis-induced vulnerabilities, and envisions inclusive, empathetic, and transformative policy pathways.

Content and Approach

Spanning through compelling and insightfully articulated chapters, the volume journeys from conceptual explorations of reverse migration to grounded fieldwork shaped by returnees’ anguish, adaptation, and resilience.

Challenges Faced by Migrants

It uncovers the challenges faced by returning migrants—unemployment, food insecurity, and social marginalisation—and critically evaluates government responses and support systems.

Policy and Conclusion

The final chapter presents a forward-looking policy framework for sustainable migrant reintegration and economic empowerment. Blending scholarly insight with poignant human narratives, this book is an indispensable resource for researchers, policymakers, and readers seeking to understand reverse migration, crisis resilience, and post-pandemic recovery in India.