The Indian government's regulation on onion exports has significantly affected Gulf-based Keralite expatriates. Rice, being a staple, was quickly exempted from export restrictions to maintain its supply to the UAE, acknowledging its importance to Keralites. However, the prohibition on onion exports led to financial strain among Malayali expatriates as they turned to more expensive alternatives from Egypt, Thailand, and Turkey.
Onions from Pakistan offered a temporary solution, aligning more closely with the culinary requirements of Indian cuisine, likely due to geographical similarities. The export bans aimed at stabilizing domestic market prices led to unconventional responses, including smuggling by expatriates to circumvent the scarcity and high costs in the Gulf. The Indian government's subsequent approval for limited onion exports to the UAE provided some relief to the affected expatriate community.
Source: onmanorama.com