“A STUDY ON INTER-STATE MIGRANT WORKERS IN HOTEL INDUSTRY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT”

AUTHOR – M. MATHAN, LLM STUDENT AT (LABOUR LAW AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW), TAMILNADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY CHENNAI – 13

BEST CITATION – M. MATHAN, “A STUDY ON INTER-STATE MIGRANT WORKERS IN HOTEL INDUSTRY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT”, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (12) OF 2025, PG. 460-468, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT

The hospitality sector in India has witnessed unprecedented growth, creating substantial employment opportunities for inter-state migrant workers. This study examines the socio-economic conditions, working environment, and legal protection mechanisms for inter-state migrant workers in Tirunelveli district’s hotel industry. Using a mixed-method approach combining primary data from 75 respondents and secondary legal analysis, the research reveals significant challenges in labour rights implementation. The findings indicate that 66% of migrant workers experience wage deductions, 73% work overtime without adequate compensation, and 66% have faced workplace accidents. Despite existing legal frameworks including the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979, and various ILO conventions, enforcement remains inadequate. The study identifies critical gaps between legislative provisions and ground-level implementation, with workers lacking awareness of their rights due to illiteracy and absence of trade union representation. Economic necessity drives 46% of migration decisions, with workers predominantly aged 21-25 years accepting substandard conditions. The research contributes to understanding migration dynamics in the hospitality sector and proposes comprehensive reforms including awareness programs, stricter enforcement mechanisms, and enhanced social security coverage. These findings have significant implications for policy formulation and labour rights advocacy in India’s expanding tourism economy.

Keywords: Inter-state migration, Hotel industry, Labour rights, Migrant workers, Tirunelveli, Social security, Working conditions