Norka sets up helpdesk in 9 nations for trapped Malayalis

TNN | Apr 13, 2020, 04:12 IST

Norka has already set up helpdesks in emirates in the UAE

Thiruvananthapuram: Intensifying its activities to help Keralites trapped in foreign countries during Covid-19 pandemic, Norka department has set up helpdesks in nine more countries, majority in the Gulf region where there is a significant population of NRKs.
Norka (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs) has already set up helpdesks in emirates in the UAE with the help of Malayali organisations, and now the service has been extended to Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, UK, Indonesia, Mozambique and Bangladesh. Besides, Norka helpdesks have also been set up for Malayalis trapped in Indian states.
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said there is possibility of a massive influx of NRKs once the lockdown and restrictions across the borders are lifted, “which stresses the need for chalking out rehabilitation packages for the returnees by central and state governments”.
“In UAE, steps have been initiated to shift Covid-19 patients to hospitals, and with the help of organizations, food is provided to all Malayalis out there who are in need,” the CM said, lauding the efforts of organizations. The quarantine facilities and arrangements to provide food have been ensured by UAE consul general in a discussion held, Vijayan said.
Norka and Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board have come out with relief measures, including financial assistance, for NRKs and returnees. The welfare board will give Rs 1,000 each to its pension beneficiaries numbering around 15,000. Also, the board will give Rs 10,000 each to welfare fund members testing positive for Covid-19.
Norka will provide Rs 5,000 each as immediate assistance to those NRKs with valid passport and job visa who are unable to return to their resident countries and to those whose job visa expired during the lockdown. The NRKs tested positive for Covid-19 and not covered by the welfare schemes will be provided Rs 10,000 each after bringing them under Norka’s ‘Santhwana’ scheme.
Meanwhile, the CM has clarified that the government has not promised to send any medical team to the UAE in a special flight, as being reported citing a letter sent by the managing director of a Kerala-based healthcare group to Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The individual who has written the letter does not represent the state. The government does not approve such actions that are in violation of the protocol to be followed, the CM has informed DHA director general Humaid Al Qutami.