FROM KERALA TO THE UAE : EMERGING TRENDS IN A MATURE LABOUR MIGRATION SYSTEM: The development of entrepreneurial initiatives

Kerala had a long tradition of several centuries of international emigration. Nonetheless, since the 70's, the flows have tremendously increased, and West Asia had appeared to be the main destination. Among the Gulf countries, the UAE have become the first host country for the Keralite migrants. Until the end of the 90's, the migration was based on the principle of a temporary expatriation for an expected wealthy return. In other words, migrants used expatriation, with renewable employment contracts for a betterment of their financial situation as well as a skill experience in order to start a new professional life back in Kerala. Nevertheless, such a principle is now questioned by some socio-professional categories which consider emigration as an opportunity to become self-employed and entrepreneurs. The analysis of the entrepreneurial initiatives shows that different characteristics exist. Various strategies and routes appear in relation with the migratory context and the opportunities offered. In other respects, the emergence and the development of these new migrants' strategies have been facilitated by economic and political changes in the UAE. In fact, Dubai is asserting itself as a global city where a post-oil economy is arising. Moreover, the development of industrial and business activities in the Emirate prompts the closest ones, namely Sharjah and Ajman, to offer some attractive advantages for business investments. Combined with such an economic evolution, the immigration policy evolves towards a more favourable situation for entrepreneurial initiatives within the migrants' communities. Finally, the impact of the relations between India and the Gulf region is also at stake