Government Approves NORKA Shubhayatra Scheme to Support Job Seekers Abroad

The government has issued an order approving the guidelines for NORKA's Shubhayatra scheme, aimed at providing financial support to individuals seeking employment abroad. For the 2024-25 financial year, ₹150 lakhs have been allocated to fund the Shubhayatra project, which has two main components: the Pravasi Skill Development Assistance Scheme and the Travel Assistance Scheme for Foreign Employment.

Pravasi Skill Development Assistance Scheme

This scheme is designed to support financially challenged individuals aspiring to work abroad, particularly in specialized fields such as nursing, medicine, and paramedical services. Many candidates require specific training to pass language and competency tests essential for these roles. Through the Pravasi Skill Development Assistance Scheme, applicants can receive financial support up to ₹2 lakhs via partner financial institutions to cover expenses like exam training, fees, as well as hostel and food costs during the training period.

Travel Assistance Scheme for Foreign Employment

The Travel Assistance Scheme provides loans up to ₹2 lakhs to help cover initial expenses for those who have received valid job offers through registered recruiting agents listed in the e-Migrate system. The loan is intended to assist low-income applicants with costs associated with foreign employment, including recruiting service charges, visa stamping fees, medical examination fees, attestation fees, flight tickets, vaccinations, and COVID-19 tests (RT-PCR).

NORKA Roots, the government body managing this initiative, offers loans that are roughly equivalent to one month’s anticipated salary for the applicant’s future employment abroad. Applicants can submit their applications via the official NORKA website, www.norka.org. However, those who have already benefited from other NORKA schemes are not eligible under this policy. 

In a move to boost overseas migration from Kerala post-COVID-19, the Department of Expatriate Affairs has introduced this special financial assistance scheme, giving fresh impetus to job seekers aspiring to work abroad.

https://document.kerala.gov.in/documents/governmentorders/govtorder2410202418:36:48.pdf