imported>Saprativadhikary at 09:51, 19 February 2026

2026-02-19T09:51:03Z

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{{Short description|Malayali people living outside India}}
{{Distinguish|Malaysian diaspora}}
{{Infobox ethnic group
| group = Malayali diaspora
| native_name = '''മറുനാടൻ മലയാളികൾ'''
| native_name_lang = pravāsi malayālikaL
| flag =
| flag_caption =
| population = {{Circa| 6 million}}
(including 3.5 million [[Kerala Gulf diaspora]]<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1007/s41027-020-00292-9|title=Inclusion of Interstate Migrant Workers in Kerala and Lessons for India|year=2020|last1=Peter|first1=Benoy|last2=Sanghvi|first2=Shachi|last3=Narendran|first3=Vishnu|journal=The Indian Journal of Labour Economics|volume=63|issue=4|pages=1065–1086|pmid=33204053|pmc=7659401}}</ref>) (2020 est.)
| region1 = {{Flag|United Arab Emirates}}
| pop1 = 773,000
| ref1 = <ref name="Zachariah"/>
| region2 = {{Flag|Kuwait}}
| pop2 = 634,738
| ref2 = <ref name="NoRKA2"/>
| region3 = {{Flag|Saudi Arabia}}
| pop3 = 595,000
| ref3 = <ref name="Zachariah">{{cite news|title=Kerala Migration Survey – 2014|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/kerala-migration-survey-2014-states-youth-still-fly-abroad-for-livelhood/99/|access-date=21 October 2014|work=The Indian Express.( This is the number of approximate emigrants from Kerala, which is closely related to, but different from the actual number of Malayalis.)|issue=17 September 2014}}</ref>
| region4 = {{Flag|Qatar}}
| pop4 = 445,000
| ref4 = <ref name="NoRKA2"/>
| region5 = {{Flag|Malaysia}}
| pop5 = 228,900
| ref5 = <ref>{{Cite web | url=https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17433/MY |title = Malayali, Malayalam in Malaysia}}</ref>
| region6 = {{Flag|Oman}}
| pop6 = 195,300
| ref6 = <ref name="NoRKA2"/>
| region7 = {{Flag|Bahrain}}
| pop7 = 101,556
| ref7 = <ref name="NoRKA2">Zachariah, K. C. & Rajan, S. Irudaya (2011), ''[http://www.cds.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/WP450.pdf Kerala Migration Survey 2011] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110145155/http://www.cds.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/WP450.pdf |date=2020-01-10 }}'' (PDF), Department of Non-resident Keralite Affairs, Government of Kerala, p. 29. This is the number of emigrants from Kerala, which is closely related to but different from the actual number of Malayalis.</ref>
| region8 = {{Flag|United States}}
| pop8 = 84,000
| ref8 = <ref name="KeraliUSA">{{Cite web|url=http://40days.homestead.com/Day_22_-_People.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073622/http://40days.homestead.com/Day_22_-_People.pdf|archive-date=2016-03-04|title=Website Disabled}}</ref>
| region9 = {{Flag|Canada}}
| pop9 = 77,910
| ref9 = <ref>{{cite web|title=Knowledge of languages by age and gender: Canada, provinces and territories, census divisions and census subdivisions|url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=9810021601|website=Census Profile, 2021 Census|date = 7 May 2021|publisher=Statistics Canada Statistique Canada|access-date=3 January 2023}}</ref>
| region10 = {{Flag|Australia}}
| pop10 = 53,206
| ref10 = <ref name="Languages spoken at home in Australia">{{cite web|title=In the Australia, 18% of people spoke a language other than English at home in 2011.|url=http://profile.id.com.au/australia/language|website=abs.gov.au/|publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)|access-date=21 October 2014|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226071838/https://profile.id.com.au/australia/language|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India-born Malayalam-speaking community in Australia: Some interesting trends|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/contributors/contributions/anubhav-tewari/India-born-Malayalam-speaking-community-in-Australia-Some-interesting-trends/articleshow/38471723.cms|access-date=21 October 2014|work=The Times of India|issue=16 July 2014|ref=India-born Malayalam-speaking community in Australia: Some interesting trends}}</ref>
| region12 = {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
| pop12 = 45,264
| ref12 = <ref>{{Cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/survey-finds-only-1625-lakh-norks/article5299108.ece |title = Survey finds only 16.25 lakh NoRKs|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 31 October 2013}}</ref>
| region13 = {{Flag|Singapore}}
| pop13 = 26,000
| ref13 = <ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.pmo.gov.sg/Newsroom/pm-lee-hsien-loong-singapore-malayalee-association-100th-anniversary-dinner |title = Singapore Malayalee Association 100th Anniversary|date = 27 December 2018}}</ref>
| region14 = {{Flag|Ireland}}
| pop14 = 24,674
| ref14 = <ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-cpsr/censusofpopulation2022-summaryresults/migrationanddiversity/ |title = Irish Census 2016}}</ref>
| region15 = {{Flag|New Zealand}}
| pop15 = 6,800
| ref15 = <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17433/NZ |title = Joshua Project Census}}</ref>
| region17 = {{Flag|Germany}}
| pop17 = 5,867
| ref17 = <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-where-malayalees-once-held-sway-4610|title=Where Malayalees once held sway|first=M. R. Narayan|last=Swamy|date=5 October 2005|website=DNA India}}</ref>
| region18 = {{Flag|Indonesia}}
| pop18 = 4,000
| ref18 = {{citation needed|date=May 2019}}
| region19 = {{Flag|Austria}}
| pop19 = 3,784
| ref19 = <ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.viennamalayaleeassociation.com |title = Vienna Malayalee Association}}</ref>
| region20 = {{Flag|Japan}}
| pop20 = 500
| ref20 = <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nihonkairali.com/display.aspx?v=s&id=130&hs=1|title=Welcome to Nionkairali.com – Indian Malayalees in Japan- Japan malayalees, Malayali, Keralite, Tokyo|website=nihonkairali.com}}</ref>
| region21 = {{Flag|Finland}}
| pop21 = 474
| ref21 = <ref>{{Cite web | url=http://pxnet2.stat.fi/PXWeb/pxweb/fi/StatFin/StatFin__vrm__vaerak/statfin_vaerak_pxt_11rl.px/table/tableViewLayout1/?rxid=726cd24d-d0f1-416a-8eec-7ce9b82fd5a4 | title=Väestö 31.12. Muuttujina Maakunta, Kieli, Ikä, Sukupuoli, Vuosi ja Tiedot | access-date=2021-01-23 | archive-date=2021-04-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407133215/https://pxnet2.stat.fi/PXWeb/pxweb/fi/StatFin/StatFin__vrm__vaerak/statfin_vaerak_pxt_11rl.px/?rxid=726cd24d-d0f1-416a-8eec-7ce9b82fd5a4 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| langs = [[Malayalam]]
| religions = '''Predominantly''':<br>[[File:Om.svg|15px]] [[Hinduism]]<br>'''Minority''':<br> [[File:Allah-green.svg|15px]] [[Islam]] [[File:Christian cross.svg|12px]] [[Christianity]]<ref name="census_2016_religion">{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS |title=Population by religious community – 2011 |work=[[2011 Census of India]]|publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner |access-date=25 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS |archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref><br />[[File:Dharma Wheel.svg|18px]] [[Buddhism]], [[Judaism]], [[Atheism]] and others<ref name="census_2016_religion"/>
| related = {{hlist|[[Malayali]]|[[Tamils]]|[[Tulu people|Tuluvas]]|[[Kodava people|Kodava]]|[[Kannada people|Kannadigas]]}}
{{Keralahistory}}
{{Dravidian}}
}}
The '''Malayali Diaspora''' refers to the [[Malayalis|Malayali]] people who live outside their homeland of the [[Indian state]] of [[Kerala]] and the [[Union Territories]] of [[Mahé, India]] and [[Lakshadweep]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/lok-sabah-2019-how-telugu-diaspora-are-pulling-their-weight-two-states-99158|title=Lok Sabha 2019: How the Telugu diaspora is pulling its weight in the two states|date=29 March 2019}}</ref> They are predominantly found in [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|the Persian Gulf]], [[North America]], [[Europe]], [[Australia]], [[Caribbean]], [[Africa]] and other regions around the world.

==Migration Patterns and History==
===Early Migration===
The early 20th-century migration of Malayalis to countries like [[Malaysia]] and [[Singapore]] was largely driven by opportunities in [[plantation]] work. Many Malayalis moved to these regions to work in [[rubber]] and other plantations.<ref>{{cite web | title=Malayali, Malayalam in Malaysia | url=https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17433/MY | access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>

===Gulf Boom===
During the oil boom of the 1970s and 1980s, there was large-scale migration of Malayalis and other Indians to the [[Persian Gulf]] countries which came to known as Gulf Boom. The demand for labor in construction, healthcare, and other sectors attracted a significant number of Malayalis to countries like [[Saudi Arabia]], the [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Kuwait]], and [[Qatar]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Kerala Migration Survey – 2014 | url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/kerala-migration-survey-2014-states-youth-still-fly-abroad-for-livelhood/ | newspaper=The Indian Express | date=17 September 2014 | access-date=21 October 2014 }}</ref>

==Recent Trends==
In recent years, the migration trends have shifted towards [[North America]], [[Europe]], and other parts of the world. Malayalis are now seeking opportunities in countries like the [[United States]], [[Canada]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Australia]], and [[Germany]].<ref name="www150.statcan.gc.ca">{{cite web | title=Knowledge of languages by age and gender: Canada, provinces and territories, census divisions and census subdivisions | url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=9810021601 | website=Census Profile, 2021 Census | publisher=Statistics Canada Statistique Canada | date=7 May 2021 | access-date=3 January 2023 }}</ref>

==Socio-Economic Impact==
===Skill and Knowledge Transfer===
The Malayali diaspora has also contributed to skill and knowledge transfer, especially in sectors like [[healthcare]], IT, and [[education]]. Many NRKs (Non-Resident Keralites) have brought back valuable expertise and have helped in the development of these sectors in [[Kerala]].

==Cultural Preservation and Festivals==
===Onam===
[[Onam]] is the harvest festival celebrated with great enthusiasm by Malayalis worldwide. It is marked by various cultural activities, including traditional dances, music, and feasts.<ref>{{cite web | title=Onam Celebrations | url=https://www.onamfestival.org/ | access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>

===Vishu===
[[Vishu]] is the New Year festival of Kerala, celebrated by arranging the "Vishukkani" (a ceremonial arrangement of auspicious items). This festival is also widely celebrated by the Malayali diaspora.<ref>{{cite web | title=Vishu Festival | url=https://www.vishufestival.org/ | access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>

===Malayalam Language===
Efforts to promote and preserve the [[Malayalam language]] are made through cultural associations, schools, and media. These organizations often offer Malayalam language classes and organize cultural events to keep the language and traditions alive.<ref>{{cite web | title=Malayalam Language Promotion | url=https://www.malayalamassociation.org/ | access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>

==Challenges Faced by the Diaspora==
===Identity and Integration===
Balancing cultural identity with integration into the host society is a challenge faced by the Malayali diaspora. While maintaining their cultural heritage, they also strive to integrate and contribute to the host country's society.

===Legal and Labor Issues===
Issues related to legal status, [[labor rights]], and working conditions are significant, particularly for those residing in nations of the [[Gulf Cooperation Council|GCC]]. Many Malayalis face challenges related to visa regulations, labor contracts, and working conditions.<ref>{{cite news | title=Gulf Malayalis and Labor Issues | url=https://www.gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/malayali-labour-rights-issues-1.1625287 | access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>

===Social Support Systems===
Community organizations play a vital role in providing social support and addressing issues like mental health and family separation. These organizations offer various services to help Malayalis cope with the challenges of living abroad.<ref>{{cite web | title=Malayali Community Support Organizations | url=https://www.malayalicommunity.org/ | access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>

Contributions to Literature and Arts

===Literature===
Works by Malayali writers in exile or those writing about the diaspora experience have enriched the literary world. Authors like [[Arundhati Roy]] and [[M. T. Vasudevan Nair]] have made significant contributions.<ref>{{cite web | title=Malayali Authors | url=https://www.malayaliliterature.org/authors/ | access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>

===Cinema===
The influence of the diaspora on [[Malayalam cinema]] is notable, with films depicting the life of Malayalis abroad. Movies like "[[The Goat Life|The Goat Life (Aadujeevitham)]]", "[[Varavelpu]]" and "[[Arabikkatha]]" highlight the experiences of Malayalis in the Gulf.<ref>{{cite web | title=Malayalam Cinema and Diaspora | url=https://www.malayalamcinema.com/movies/ | access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>

===Music and Dance===
Traditional music and dance forms like [[Kathakali]] and [[Mohiniyattam]] play a crucial role in [[Culture of Kerala|cultural preservation]]. These art forms are promoted through cultural events and organizations within the diaspora.<ref>{{cite web | title=Kathakali and Mohiniyattam | url=https://www.malayaliarts.org/ | access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>

==Cultural and Religious Aspects==
The Malayali diaspora predominantly practices [[Hinduism]], with minorities practicing [[Islam]], [[Christianity]], [[Buddhism]], [[Judaism]], [[Atheism]], and other religions. The diaspora maintains strong cultural ties to Kerala, often celebrating traditional festivals and preserving their language, Malayalam.<ref>{{cite web | title=Population by religious community – 2011 | url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS | website=2011 Census of India | publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner | date=25 August 2015 | access-date=25 August 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS | archive-date=25 August 2015 }}</ref>

In [[Malaysia]], the Malayali community has been present since the early 20th century and has significantly contributed to the country's development, particularly in the [[plantation]] sector. The community has established various cultural and social organizations to promote and preserve their heritage.<ref>{{cite web | title=Malayali, Malayalam in Malaysia | url=https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17433/MY }}</ref>

In the [[United States]], [[Canada]] and [[Middle East]], Malayalis have formed numerous cultural associations and organizations to maintain their cultural identity and provide support to new immigrants. These organizations often organize events, such as [[Onam]] and [[Vishu]] celebrations, to bring the community together.<ref name="www150.statcan.gc.ca"/>

==Economic Contributions==
The Malayali diaspora has made significant economic contributions to their host countries and their homeland. In the [[Persian Gulf]] countries, many Malayalis work in various sectors, including [[healthcare]], [[engineering]], [[education]], and [[construction]]. Their remittances have played a crucial role in the [[Economy of Kerala|economic development of Kerala]].

According to the [[World Bank]], [[India]] received around $83 billion in remittances in 2020, with a significant portion coming from the Malayali diaspora in the [[Gulf countries]]. These remittances have helped improve the living standards of families in Kerala and have contributed to the state's overall development.<ref>{{cite web | title=World Bank: India received $83 billion in remittances in 2020 | url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/10/29/remittance-flows-to-shrink-14-by-2021-as-covid-19-depresses-wages-and-employment | access-date=29 October 2020}}</ref>

==Loka Kerala Sabha==
{{main|Loka Kerala Sabha}}
The Loka Kerala Sabha is an assembly hosted by the [[Government of Kerala]] to bring the Malayali diaspora under one platform.<ref>{{cite news|title=CM opens first meeting of Loka Kerala Sabha - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/cm-opens-first-meeting-of-loka-kerala-sabha/articleshow/62479680.cms|accessdate=6 April 2018|work=The Times of India}}</ref> It was hosted under the Department of Non-Resident Keralites. It aims at utilizing the expertise of NRKs for developing Kerala as a state. The Loka Kerala Sabha is proposed to happen once in two years.<ref name="nm">{{cite news|title=Bringing Non-resident Keralites together: State set for first Loka Kerala Sabha|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/bringing-non-resident-keralites-together-state-set-first-loka-kerala-sabha-74526|accessdate=6 April 2018|work=The News Minute|date=10 January 2018}}</ref> The event was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Kerala, [[Pinarayi Vijayan]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kerala govt to make 'Loka Kerala Sabha' a permanent feature|url=http://zeenews.india.com/kerala/kerala-govt-to-make-loka-kerala-sabha-a-permanent-feature-2062324.html|accessdate=6 April 2018|work=Zee News|date=2 December 2017|language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Malayali]]
*[[Kerala Gulf diaspora]]
*[[Malaysian Malayali]]
*[[Malayali Americans]]
*[[Malayali Australians]]
*[[Dravidian people|Dravidians]]
*[[Tamil diaspora]]
*[[Telugu diaspora]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Indian diaspora}}

[[Category:Society of Kerala]]
[[Category:Malayali people|*]]
[[Category:Malayali diaspora]]
[[Category:Dravidian peoples]]

Malayali diaspora - Revision history

imported>Saprativadhikary at 09:51, 19 February 2026