Northeast Indian Migrants in Bengaluru’s Hospitality Industry : Work, Mobility and Wellbeing : A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Internal migration from Northeast India to metropolitan cities has become a prominent livelihood strategy for young migrants seeking opportunities for education, employment and improving their economic situation. Many of them have found employment opportunities within the hospitality and service industries. However, it may not always provide them with secure working conditions, long-term career development and improvement to their psychosocial wellbeing. There is literature looking into migration experiences of Northeast Indian communities, incorporation into urban service sectors, racialisation within the workforce, uncertainty and psychological issues. However, they differ based on location, occupation and discipline.

This review aimed to look at the literature surrounding migration and workplace experiences, career development and psychosocial wellbeing of migrant youth from Northeast India within the hospitality and service industries in India, with a focus on Bengaluru. It looked at research relating to migration, racialisation, workplace experience, career development, uncertainty and psychological issues. The literature has shown that migrants from Northeast India were impacted by their appearance, communication skills and perception of service based skills which led to specific employment opportunities. However, they also faced challenges including racial stereotyping, uncertainty and limited sense of belonging. Research has also shown that uncertainty and exclusion can have an impact on psychological wellbeing. The literature has provided valuable insight but there was little specific to young migrants from Northeast India within the hospitality industry in Bengaluru. More research is required looking at how workplace experiences, career development and psychosocial wellbeing are interlinked.