As Kerala heads to the Assembly polls on April 9, several Indian expatriates living in the UAE are spending as much as ₹2.3 lakh on flight tickets to return home and cast their votes. Reports suggest that some travellers have paid nearly Dh9,000 for last-minute tickets amid rising fares and heavy travel demand ahead of the elections. Despite the steep costs, many non-resident Keralites are making the journey, underlining the importance of their electoral participation.
Usually, tens of thousands of expatriates from Kerala return during election season to exercise their franchise. However, this year, the number is expected to be comparatively lower, largely because of the unusually high airfare prices and uncertainty surrounding flight schedules. The issue has particularly affected Gulf-based Malayali voters, who traditionally play a visible role in election-time travel back to the state.
“Some Indian expats in UAE spend up to Dh9,000 to fly to Kerala ahead of polls.”~Khaleej Times
“Indian expats in UAE spend ₹2.3 lakh on flight tickets to Kerala ahead of polls.”~Hindustan Times
Migration Emerges as a Key Election Issue:
The election narrative in Kerala has increasingly turned toward migration, employment, and the long-term future of the state’s youth. The issue is resonating strongly with families that have members living abroad, especially in Gulf countries, the UK, Europe, and North America.
A recent case highlighted in the report is that of Roy George, a 40-year-old expatriate originally from Changanassery in Kottayam district, who has returned from the United Kingdom after nearly a decade and is preparing to vote. Having come back to care for his ailing mother, Roy’s story reflects the growing concern among Malayali families about migration becoming permanent. He pointed out that the salary gap between Kerala and foreign countries remains one of the biggest reasons why people continue to move abroad. According to him, the migration debate cannot be limited only to job opportunities, as better pay and living conditions overseas remain major attractions.
“Migration and salary gap remain major issues in Kerala poll discourse.”~PTI News
Political Parties Focus on Jobs and Return Migration:
Recognising the issue’s political significance, all major fronts have made migration and employment central to their campaign messaging. The Congress has argued that students and job seekers are leaving Kerala because of inadequate opportunities and weak industrial growth, while the NDA has promised to create conditions where the youth are not compelled to move out for better prospects.
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has promised employment support for youngsters completing their education in the state.
Migration expert S Irudaya Rajan, chairman of the International Institute of Migration and Development, noted that nearly 23–25 lakh Keralites are working abroad, while another 10–15 lakh are employed in other Indian states. He stated that migration is a long-standing social and economic trend that cannot be stopped entirely, suggesting that policymakers should instead focus on “brain gain” by encouraging professionals to return after working overseas.
Overseas Voters Continue to Shape Kerala’s Political Landscape:
Despite high travel expenses and logistical challenges, expatriates’ willingness to pay large amounts only to vote indicates their strong attachment to Kerala’s political future. For many families, voting is not just a civic responsibility, but also a chance to keep connected to their hometown despite living thousands of kilometres apart. The increasing airfare narrative has once again highlighted the global Malayali community’s power over Kerala’s election politics. While turnout in the Gulf may be lower this time, many expats’ desire to return and vote highlights the emotional and political link they have with the state.
