Construction firms are able to support their workers by using the reverse migration option.

Real estate and construction firms have so far been able to keep their workers on the job by using the lessons learned from last summer’s tumultuous evacuation of towns, even as reverse migration of unskilled workers working in retail, hotels, street vendors, and other miscellaneous occupations has begun in the wake of new mobility curbs.

Governments such as Maharashtra have enforced interventions such as on-site food and accommodation, free routine testing, vaccination, treatment, work, and wages. Such interventions have ensured that migrant labour will not be leaving Mumbai anytime soon.

“In the midst of Covid’s second wave’s revival, reverse migration is a movement that is increasingly making its existence known. Because of an undercurrent of concern, the condition varies across states and sectors. As of now, it is more of a problem for those employed in sectors such as electricity, hotels and restaurants, and so on who are preferring the reverse migration option,” said Niranjan Hiranandani, National President of NAREDCO.

He mentioned that the real estate and construction industries are well placed to deal with the crisis. In accordance with state government SOPs, developers are also supplying food, housing, and healthcare safety equipment to migrant workers and their families. “They are also paid on a daily basis, which serves as a safety net, making reverse migration in the building and real estate industries,” Hiranandani said.

The retail industry, on the other hand, is facing a lack of sales as a result of partial and weekend lockdowns. “We have already seen reverse migration in the retail sector following the declaration of partial lockdown in some states, but there has been no effect on construction sites yet.” Employees understand that if there is a lockdown, there is no assurance that businesses can reopen, especially restaurants and retail outlets,” said Mukesh Kumar, Chairman of The Shopping Centres Association of India (SCAI).

Following the return of migrant labour in late August, real estate developers have been making appropriate plans to allow their stay, and are assured that they will be well-equipped and prepared this time.