Divya Balan

I look forward to seeing Andhra Pradesh's innovative life cycle approach contribute to the broader national conversation on demographic transition and evidence-based population policy.

In my intervention, I highlighted the importance of integrating migration into population policy. A comprehensive population strategy must recognise migration as both a demographic reality and a development opportunity, while ensuring safe, orderly, and rights-based mobility.

Honoured to be invited by the Govt of Andhra Pradesh to deliberate on & be part of the launch the State's new Population Management Policy–Pillale Sampada, in the presence of the Hon'ble Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, in Vijayawada on the occasion of World Population Day.

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: policycircle.org/opinion/kerala…

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: policycircle.org/opinion/kerala…

This Indian state is trying to ensure no one grows old alone bbc.in/4f13Sxk

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: khaleejtimes.com/world/asia/us-…

New Publication Alert! psfresearch.com/watching-aaduj… 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.

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.

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. 🔗 tinyurl.com/m6mmtnrm ✍️ @kuruvilla2507

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: indiaspend.com/agriculture/ho…

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: orcasia.org/pages/orcafiles

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.

🎙️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. 🔗orcasia.org/pages/orcafiles

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 👇 open.spotify.com/episode/0qjvTD…

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: thehindu.com/news/national/…

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: telanganatoday.com/opinion-the-qu…