Abstract

The migration of young people from Asian countries, especially India, to the UK, other European nations, Canada and the US is largely driven by dissatisfaction with local job prospects and the desire for better employment opportunities. Kerala, known for its high literacy rates and educational focus, has become a major source of migrants, many of whom work in healthcare and information technology. However, migration also brings significant health risks, especially related to cardiovascular diseases. Research indicates that South Indian migrants, unaccustomed to colder climates, may be more vulnerable to heart issues, with higher mortality rates in areas like the Northwest of the UK, which has a large South Asian population. Additionally, the migration process itself can exacerbate health challenges, including stress, dietary changes and complications during the adjustment period. Migrants from warmer climates, such as South India, may struggle with immune system adaptation to colder weather countries and limited sunlight exposure in the UK and other colder regions of the world increases the risk of vitamin D deficiency, further compounding health problems. These issues were particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where South Asians faced worse health outcomes. Despite these challenges, Kerala migrants have significantly contributed to the UK’s healthcare sector, with over 32,000 Indian nationals working in the NHS as of 2021. The health risks faced by migrants highlight the need for informed decision-making and robust support systems to address health challenges, especially for elderly returnees. This paper examines health risks such as access to healthcare, mental health, infectious diseases and chronic conditions and emphasizes the importance of tailored public health interventions and policies to address these challenges so as to promote health equity for migrants everywhere in the world.

Keywords:Migration; Cardiovascular health; Cold weather; Immune system; Vitamin D deficiency; COVID-19