Non-Resident Keralites Affairs  Department

NRKs and their relatives in the State have experienced both the positive and negative influences of issue caused by migration to other parts of the world. This has peaked up during the past quarter of a century. The social security of the non resident Keralites and their families is of major concern. Realizing this on 6th December 1996 Government of Kerala has launched department of Non Resident Keralites' Affairs (NORKA) to redress the grievances of non resident Keralites that had been left untangled. NORKA is the first department of its kind in India. NORKA is a single window agency to fulfill an assurance given by the Government of Kerala to its expatriate community. It aimed at the strengthening of relation between the NRKs and the Government of Kerala and the culmination of efforts for finding out solution to problems faced by NRK community. It is also an attempt at institutionalizing the administrative framework.

NORKA has established NORKA Roots that acts as a counsel for the non-resident keralites. NORKA has established the agency-Non-Resident Keralites Welfare Agency to implement schemes for the welfare and benefit of NRKs, to channelise their expertise and resources. As an agency, it is expected that more activities in all spheres connected with NRKs can be taken up.

NORKA makes efforts to solve the petitions were for remedial action on threats to the lives and property of those who are left at home, tracing of missing persons abroad, compensation from sponsors, harassment from sponsors, cheating by recruiting agents, education facilities for children of NRKs, introduction of more flights, etc. It provides assistance to stranded keralites through follow up action initiated on all the petitions. The authorities of State Government/Government of India were directed to take immediate suitable action on them.

NORKA has established NORKA Roots that acts as a counsel for the non-resident keralites. NORKA has established an agency-the Non-Resident Keralites Welfare Agency-to implement schemes for the welfare and benefit of NRKs, to channelise their expertise and resources. As an agency, it is expected that more activities in all spheres connected with NRKs can be taken up.

• Organization chart (PDF)
  

Major Functions of the department

• Assistance to stranded Keralites.
• Complaints on non receipt of salary, accommodation etc.
• Assistance in bringing the mortal remains of NRKs to Kerala, subject to certain conditions.
• Complaints on illegal overseas recruitment agencies.
• Enquiries on investment opportunities in Kerala.
• Enquiries on Pravasi Suraksha Kudumba Arogya Scheme.
• Grievances of Non Resident Keralite Housemaids and other non resident women in distress..
• Problems faced by the NRKs in State Government Departments.
• Claiming of compensation and other benefits due from employers/Government.