GLOBAL GOENKARS SPEAK
The writer is a social commentator in the UK, who takes a keen interest in affairs and socio-economic matters in the UK and Goa
In my previous column, I had focused on the nature of the ‘return migrants’ from the UK, as part of my efforts to understand a recent study undertaken by the Goa Business School of Goa University and Fr Agnel College of Arts and Commerce, Pilar. This study was reported in an article ‘Fading dreams abroad drive Goans back home’ in The Goan (July 10), on the return of Goans back to their homeland from Europe, Gulf, US, etc.
In this second part of my column, I will analyse some factors in the UK which may be prompting many disenchanted Goans to return to Goa.
Poor living, working conditions
‘Poor living conditions’ has also been identified as a reason behind wanting to return home. This comes as no surprise as housing is a big issue in the UK. Historically, an individual renting a room in a family home was not uncommon – not only by Goans, but also amongst the other migrants and the indigenous population. This is a rare occurrence today.
Besides, the cost for a family to rent a flat or a house has skyrocketed across the UK. The only other affordable option is to rent a room in a ‘House of Multiple Occupancy’ (HMO). These HMOs are not subject to strict regulations and have seen an exponential growth in the rental market. Some are run by unscrupulous landlords who turn a blind eye to the welfare of their tenants in exchange for cash in hand payments and other malpractices – they are quite happy to host a whole family of 4 or 5 individuals in a single room.
It, therefore, comes with little surprise that the returned migrants experienced ‘poor living conditions’ and ‘health issues’ if they lived in such accommodation.
The depressing effects of ‘discrimination at workplace’ and ‘poor living conditions’ are amplified when there is little or no social life. Where once in Goa many enjoyed the luxury of nipping over to the neighbour’s or cousin’s place, the ability of being able to wander in and out of your neighbour’s home here in the UK is severely curtailed.
Based on who one chooses to socialise with, where and when can be very difficult to manage – after all, one’s colleagues from the friend social network may themselves be under the same stress to pay the bills, work odd hours and have their own problems to deal with.
Add to this, the changing weather patterns, the damp and wintry conditions, one’s mental wellbeing can easily suffer and depression set in.
Euphoric picture of life in UK
For too long now it has been said by many in Goa that the streets in London are paved with gold. This false impression has been given by none other than those UK Goans holidaying back in Goa who have presented such a euphoric picture of life in the UK that this has prompted many to make a new passport, throw away all they have in Goa, and embark on that perilous journey into the unknown without understanding the risks involved in doing so.
If the return migrants’ plan was to give their children the best opportunity in life by bringing them to the UK, then the reasons cited by those returning because they are not happy in the UK is a contradiction in itself.
Based on previous trends, current outlook and future opportunities, there are not many who will say that the UK will be as prosperous as India, China, and other developing countries in the coming years.
With both the UK and EU growth hovering at 1% compared to India’s 7%, one will be best advised to look deeper, take a longer look at prospects and then decide if leaving Goa and India as a whole is still a better option.
Both authors of the study, Roy Gomes and Sarath Chandran, and the likes of them, could enjoy better prospects in India than anywhere else in the world. Should they do decide to leave India, then I do hope that they do so as a well-informed decision. [Concluded]
