Thiruvananthapuram: Renowned industrialist and RP Group chairman B. Ravi Pillai has underscored the decisive role played by Gulf Malayalis in shaping Kerala’s economic and social landscape, stating that the state’s present form would have been unimaginable without the contribution of its expatriate workforce in the Middle East.
Speaking at a public interaction, Ravi Pillai said migration to Gulf countries opened life-changing opportunities for lakhs of Malayalis, enabling them to support their families and meet the developmental needs of Kerala. He noted that remittances from expatriates strengthened the state’s economy, improved living standards, and helped families invest in education, healthcare, and housing.
According to Pillai, Gulf migration was not merely about financial gain but about dignity of labour and global exposure. He observed that most Malayalis who went abroad were able to transform their lives through hard work and perseverance, and many returned with enhanced skills, confidence, and a broader worldview. These experiences, he said, had a lasting impact on Kerala’s social progress.
Reflecting on his own journey in the Gulf, Pillai recalled that in earlier decades Indian workers were often viewed with scepticism. However, sustained performance and professionalism gradually changed global perceptions. Today, he said, Indian workers including Malayalis are recognized for their reliability, adaptability, and competence across sectors such as construction, services, engineering, healthcare, and management.
Addressing concerns about shrinking job opportunities in the Middle East, Pillai dismissed fears of an immediate decline. He stated that Gulf economies, particularly Saudi Arabia and other rapidly developing nations, would continue to require a large workforce for at least the next one to two decades. While acknowledging localization policies in some sectors, he stressed that skilled and disciplined workers from India would remain in demand.
Pillai also drew attention to the contrasting attitudes toward wealth creation in different regions. He remarked that entrepreneurship and success are often celebrated in the Gulf, where business creators are encouraged, whereas in Kerala, wealth generation has historically been viewed with suspicion. He argued that sustainable development requires respecting job creators alongside workers.
Highlighting the broader impact of the diaspora, Ravi Pillai said Gulf Malayalis have not only supported their own families but also contributed indirectly to the state’s infrastructure, consumption-driven growth, and social mobility. Their earnings, he added, played a silent yet powerful role in sustaining Kerala during economic slowdowns and crises.
His remarks come at a time when Kerala is reassessing its development model and employment strategies. While there is increasing emphasis on creating opportunities within the state, Pillai’s comments serve as a reminder that the Gulf diaspora remains one of Kerala’s strongest economic pillars, whose contribution continues to influence the state’s growth story even today.