Mangaluru: Private schools across undivided Dakshina Kannada are witnessing a gradual increase in admissions from families returning from Gulf countries amid the continuing West Asia crisis, with educators expecting the trend to become more visible in the coming weeks.

School authorities say several parents who had either been living in the Gulf or were planning to relocate there have now chosen to continue their children’s education in coastal Karnataka due to growing uncertainty in the region.

Anthony Joseph, associate director of The Yenepoya School, said the school has already admitted a few students previously studying in Gulf institutions. He noted that one family that intended to move to Dubai recently decided against the relocation and opted to keep their child in Mangaluru instead.

“We are already receiving enquiries, and we expect more admissions in the coming days,” he said.

A similar pattern was observed during the Covid-19 period, when many expatriate families temporarily returned to their hometowns and enrolled their children in local schools. However, educators say the present impact appears comparatively smaller.

According to school representatives, the number of admissions remains limited for now because of ongoing travel restrictions and the narrow admission window during the academic year.

Fr Rolwyn Joy Aranha, principal of Don Bosco English Medium School, said only a handful of such admissions have been recorded so far. He added that schools are likely to see a clearer picture once the academic year in Gulf countries concludes in late June and early July.