Gulf Migrants’ Families Seek SIR Safeguards To Protect Votes of NRIs

Families of Gulf migrants in north Telangana have begun efforts to retain and secure the voting rights of relatives working abroad during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls for 2026. 

The Election Commission will conduct the SIR through a household survey from June 25 to July 24 across the state. With large-scale migration from districts such as Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Warangal, Jagtial, Kamareddy, Nizamabad, Medak and Nirmal, families are being urged to ensure enrolment under Form 6A, meant for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) voters.

Gulf migrants can also apply online.According to estimates,



around 15 lakh people from Telangana are working in Gulf countries.

Concerns have been raised that names may be removed from electoral rolls if individuals remain outside the country for more than six months, prompting families to initiate enrolment or retention measures.

Members of the Telangana Gulf Advisory Committee, led by vice-chairman Manda Bheem Reddy, met transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar, seeking steps to safeguard migrant votes. 

They requested awareness programmes, alternative mechanisms, and a dedicated helpline to facilitate enrolment by migrants or their families.