The ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has disrupted livelihoods across the Gulf region, is prompting a modest but noticeable return of students to private schools in undivided Dakshina Kannada district. Several institutions report receiving midstream admissions from children who were previously enrolled in schools in Gulf countries, reflecting a shift in family plans due to geopolitical instability.
Increased Admissions at Local Schools
Anthony Joseph, associate director of The Yenepoya School in Mangaluru, confirmed that the institution has admitted a few students who had been studying in Gulf schools. He highlighted one case where a parent, who had planned to relocate to Dubai with the family, has now decided to keep the child in Mangaluru because of the crisis. Joseph added, “We expect more queries for admissions in the coming days.”
Similarly, Fr Rolwyn Joy Aranha, principal of Don Bosco English Medium School in Shirva, noted that the school has received only a limited number of such admissions so far. However, he anticipates an increase once the academic year in Gulf countries concludes in late June or early July, as families may seize the opportunity to transition their children to local schools.
Comparison with the Covid-19 Period
A school representative, speaking on condition of anonymity, observed that the current trend resembles the pattern seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many students returned from Gulf countries to continue their studies in their hometowns. However, the impact this time is milder, with the numbers remaining constrained by a short admission window and ongoing air travel restrictions. The representative noted that while the situation is fluid, the overall volume of returnees is not as high as during the peak of the pandemic.
School administrators are monitoring the situation closely, with some expecting a gradual uptick in inquiries as the academic calendar in the Gulf region winds down. The modest rise in admissions underscores how global crises can influence local education dynamics, particularly in regions with strong diaspora connections to the Gulf.
About the Author
Kevin Mendonsa has over a decade of experience in writing, reporting, and editing for print media. He has been working with The Times of India as a senior correspondent (senior digital content creator) since 2015, covering education, crime, aviation, lifestyle, and other subjects.
