Thousands of NRIs from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana fear losing voting rights during the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls
RIYADH/HYDERABAD — Members of the Telugu-speaking Indian diaspora residing in Saudi Arabia have urged the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to take urgent steps to protect the voting rights of non-resident Indians (NRIs) during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The appeal comes amid growing concern among expatriate workers that their names could be removed from voter lists due to a lack of awareness about the revision process being carried out by election authorities in India.
The Saudi Arabia Telugu Association has submitted representations to both state governments, warning that a significant number of expatriate voters may be excluded from electoral rolls if awareness and assistance measures are not strengthened.
According to the association, a large number of Indian workers in Gulf countries are unaware of the procedural requirements of the SIR exercise and may miss deadlines related to voter verification and updates.
Speaking on the issue, association General Secretary Muzammil Sheikh said that an estimated 8 to 10 lakh people from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are currently residing in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia.
He said, “Most expatriate workers are not familiar with the online voter registration and verification systems. If their names are removed due to procedural gaps, they will lose their democratic right to vote.”
Sheikh further explained that many workers travel back to India only once every two years due to employment conditions and limited leave policies, making it difficult for them to participate in time-bound electoral revision exercises.
The association has requested both state governments to launch targeted awareness campaigns for NRIs, including virtual seminars and digital guidance sessions, to ensure that eligible voters remain included in the electoral rolls.
It also urged election authorities to simplify online procedures and provide multilingual assistance for overseas citizens, particularly those who may not be technologically familiar with government portals.
The Election Commission has been conducting the SIR exercise in various phases, with Andhra Pradesh scheduled to complete the process by July 14 and Telangana by July 24, according to official timelines referenced by the association.
Diaspora representatives expressed concern that lack of timely communication could disproportionately affect low-income migrant workers, many of whom are employed in construction, domestic work and service sectors in Saudi Arabia.
Community members said that while digital systems have improved electoral processes in India, gaps remain a serious challenge for overseas workers who depend on limited internet access and informal communication networks.
The association also proposed that state governments collaborate with Indian embassies and community organisations in Gulf countries to organise structured voter awareness programmes.
These could include virtual seminars, mobile assistance units and dedicated helpdesks to guide expatriates through the registration and verification process.
“We are not asking for special treatment, only equal access to information and support so that no eligible voter is left out,” another association representative said.
Officials from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have not yet issued detailed public responses to the representations, but diaspora members said they are hopeful that the issue will be taken up seriously.
Experts on electoral policy note that NRIs form a significant voting demographic, and administrative gaps in outreach could lead to unintentional disenfranchisement if not addressed in time.
As the SIR process continues, the diaspora community in Saudi Arabia has reiterated its request for urgent intervention to ensure that eligible voters retain their constitutional right to participate in India’s democratic process.
