Divya Balan

Author | Researcher | Migration Studies Scholar | Traveller

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

In my latest article for @policy_circle, I argue that Kerala's newly announced Elderly Welfare Department presents an opportunity to rethink elder care in its migration-shaped, rapidly ageing society.

Read the full article here: https://t.co/SRZhcBzU2w

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

In my latest article for @policy_circle, I argue that Kerala's newly announced Elderly Welfare Department presents an opportunity to rethink elder care in its migration-shaped, rapidly ageing society.

Read the full article here: https://t.co/SRZhcBzmcY

[BBC News (World) @BBCWorld]

This Indian state is trying to ensure no one grows old alone https://t.co/SQ8zyIjHlf

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

Delighted to be quoted in a recent @khaleejtimes article discussing the implications of the US–Iran peace deal for Indian migration to the Gulf & the likely return of migrant workers to the region.

You can read the article here: https://t.co/HQhDT2VL2V

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

New Publication Alert!
https://t.co/AhoQHH2MBt

Sincere thanks to @PSFresearch for providing a platform to reflect on the critical themes of precarity, exploitation, resilience, & the deeply human dimensions of labour migration that too often remain invisible in policy debates.

[FLAME University @FLAMEUniversity]

Prof. Divya Balan, Faculty of International Studies at FLAME University, participated in the prestigious International Labour Organization (ILO) STREAM Research Event, “Caring Across Borders for Those Who Care: Rethinking Social Protection for Migrant Domestic Workers in the South Asia–GCC Corridor,” held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as part of the South-4-Care Learning Hub Training.

She presented on the theme “Gendered Mobilities and Social Protection Gaps in Origin Countries,” focusing on the lived experiences of migrant domestic workers from Kerala in the GCC states. Her presentation examined the structural inequalities shaping migration pathways, particularly at the intersections of gender, labor, and social protection in origin contexts.

The session also highlighted the importance of building more inclusive, portable, and rights-based social protection systems to better support migrant domestic workers across transnational care economies.

[TNIE Kerala @xpresskerala]

With the UK, Canada, Australia and other European nations acting tough on immigration, many Malayali aspirants will be forced to return home in the coming years.

🔗 https://t.co/UK51XR7GhT

✍️ @kuruvilla2507

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

Pleased to be featured in @IndiaSpend discussing how climate-induced migration is reshaping caregiving, family relationships, and social realities within migrant households in India.

Sharing the insightful article by Ritwika Mitra: https://t.co/OlRPJbl0v3

[Organisation for Research on China & Asia (ORCA) @ORCA_India]

In Episode 34 of The ORCA Files, podcast intern @AnanyaRao2125 speaks with Dr. @DivyaBalan14 on #China & #India’s diaspora engagement—covering #identity, global perceptions, host-country politics and challenges like misinformation and transnational activism.

🎙️Listen to the full podcast here: https://t.co/rNk56KfSZM

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

May Day greetings! ✊

Honoured to speak at the @ilo STREAM Research Event at Colombo, Sri Lanka, on gendered mobilities & social protection gaps among Kerala’s migrant domestic workers in the GCC.

Reinforcing the need for rights-based, inclusive social protection.

[Organisation for Research on China & Asia (ORCA) @ORCA_India]

🎙️Episode 34 of The ORCA Files features @FLAMEUniversity student & @ORCA_India's podcast intern @AnanyaRao2125 in conversation with Dr. @DivyaBalan14. They discuss how #China and #India engage with their diaspora communities and how these overseas populations influence #cultural visibility, transnational identity and international perceptions of both countries. The discussion also examines the role of host-country politics and local perceptions, as well as challenges such as political tensions, misinformation and transnational activism, in shaping #diaspora engagement.

This episode is part of the @FLAMEUniversity-@ORCA_India MoU collaboration.

🔗https://t.co/rNk56KfSZM

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

Recently had the opportunity to be part of a thoughtful conversation on The @ORCA_India Files podcast, hosted by @AnanyaRao2125, where we unpacked questions about how India & China engage with their diaspora communities.

Please give it a listen 👇
https://t.co/rhW4IUIfvT

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

I’ve been quoted in @the_hindu today on the potential decline in Gulf remittances & what it could mean for Kerala’s economy.

Sharing the piece here for those interested in these evolving dynamics: https://t.co/XtL9OZ10tE

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

As tensions escalate in West Asia, beyond headlines, there's a quieter story unfolding.

In my recent article for @TelanganaToday, I explore the emotional toll of conflict on migrants that doesn’t often make the news.

📱Do give it a read: https://t.co/ApjYnfFz6U

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

Today, the absence of granular data, coupled with institutional fragmentation and weak Centre–State coordination, continues to limit the effectiveness of evacuation and reintegration efforts, especially for vulnerable groups such as women migrants.

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

Pleased to share a piece I co-authored with Prof @rajaniimad for @frontline_india on a subject that remains both urgent & underexamined.

Access the article here: https://t.co/DRWSOqGvD4

#GulfMigration #India #KeralaModel #MigrationGovernance #Labour #Geopolitics

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

Article takes a critical look at India’s largely reactive approach to crisis management & argues for a shift toward robust, integrated, & proactive migration data systems. As migration remains central to India, the need for a more coordinated, forward-looking framework is clear.

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

Delighted to be part of the policy dialogue on "International Skilled Mobility & Migration" at IIC today.

Speaking in Session III alongside an excellent panel.

Grateful for the invitation, and congratulations to @pdag_india & @iimad_in for convening this important dialogue.

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

It was inspiring to be part of such a meaningful platform where the voices & experiences of the global Malayali community are heard. Looking forward to continuing conversations that strengthen our community and support inclusive, evidence-based policymaking for Kerala.

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

Truly honoured to have been invited as a delegate representing the Non-Resident Keralites from Maharashtra at the @LokaKeralaSabha 2026, a flagship diaspora forum of the Kerala Government.

[Divya Balan @DivyaBalan14]

I emphasised the importance of policies that recognise women as active contributors to the economy & ensure their safety, dignity & opportunities. Issues - employment vulnerabilities, skill recognition, mobility challenges & the support needed for women returnees are discussed.