In 1998, 37.5 percent of Kerala emigrants were living in Saudi Arabia. This figure has come down to 23 percent in 2008 when the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as a popular destination.

The UAE increased its share from 31 percent in 1998 to 41.9 percent in 2008.

The study said 40 percent of the total NRKs are from the Muslim community, while 37.7 percent are the Hindus and 21.2 percent are the Christians.

Emigration from Kerala is still predominantly male dominated.

Females constituted just 14.6 percent of the Kerala emigrants in 2008, the study said.