International Institute for Population Sciences
Deemed to be University (An Autonomous Organization of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India)

International migration has evolved into a defining socio-economic phenomenon reshaping the rural landscape of Punjab. Once confined to a few households, it has now become a pervasive aspiration, with many families having already sent or intending to send their children abroad. This study is grounded in a field survey of five villages in Patiala district, utilizing random sampling and simple statistical tools to analyze the patterns, drivers, and implications of international migration from rural Punjab. The analysis reveals a distinct demographic profile: migration is predominantly youth-driven, male-oriented, and concentrated among general caste households. A majority of migrants hold senior secondary or higher educational qualifications and belong to nuclear families. Spatio-temporal examination shows that international migration has accelerated its pace sharply in the study area since 2015. North America emerges as the most preferred destination, followed by Oceania, reflecting evolving global migration corridors. Heightened immigration regulations have rendered legal pathways especially student visas as the primary mode of migration. The economic dynamics of migration in the study area involve significant household investments, often financed through savings depletion, asset liquidation, or high-interest borrowing, resulting in widespread indebtedness. While remittance inflows remain limited due to recent migration trends, they significantly enhance household living standards. Migration occurs across both landless and landowning households, with farm size positively influencing migration propensity. The findings underscore the importance of strengthening skill-based education, expanding local employment opportunities, and regulating unlicensed migration consultancies to protect vulnerable families.