Several expatriates in the UAE are reportedly paying up to Dh9,000 (₹230,000) for air tickets to return to India and vote in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections 2026.
Due to high airfares, Kerala is expecting lower voter turnout from the Gulf this time.
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) will attempt to secure an unprecedented third consecutive term under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is 81.
Migration has emerged as a key issue in the election campaign, with all major political fronts promising to create better education and employment opportunities within Kerala.
However, experts say the issue is not limited to jobs alone, citing a huge salary gap between Kerala and foreign countries as the main driver of migration.
