Safe migration must be ensured
The trend of emigration from Kerala to foreign countries is undergoing a significant transformation, with new laws in Gulf countries enabling expatriates to purchase and own residential property, thereby facilitating longer-term residency. In the past, Malayalees used to leave Kerala with the desire to return to their homeland someday, even if it was after many years. That is not the case today. The new generation going to foreign countries for education desires to find a job abroad and continue their life there. It is in this context that safe migration has become an important issue for the state.
This issue was also discussed seriously in the fifth Loka Kerala Sabha organized by the state. In his reply speech at the closing session of this session, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan pointed out that safe migration is important and it is the responsibility of the Central Government to make laws in this regard. However, the Chief Minister clarified that a high-powered committee, including the Chief Secretary and the State Police Chief, will be formed as a step that can be taken at the state level to resolve the security issues of the expatriates. This committee will meet once a month and review the situation. In addition, a standing committee has been appointed to examine the suggestions submitted by the expatriates in the Loka Kerala Sabha and submit a report.
The implementation of health insurance for the returning expatriates was one of the main demands raised in the Loka Kerala Sabha. Since most of them end their expatriate life at a relatively old age, they may face many health problems. If the state government implements a special health insurance scheme keeping this in mind, it will be a great boon for the expatriates returning to Kerala to settle permanently. Especially in the context of the tenfold increase in medical expenses in the country. The Chief Minister said in his reply that this demand will be examined. This problem can be solved by including the returning expatriates and their family members in the NORKA CARE scheme, which is a comprehensive health insurance cover for expatriates.
The announcement that the Norka Institute of Foreign Languages will provide opportunities to teach other languages, including Japanese, in addition to German, for foreign language studies will also provide relief to students seeking opportunities to study in various foreign countries. Several suggestions were raised in the Loka Kerala Sabha, such as conducting skill mapping through local bodies to utilize the job skills of returnees, implementing innovative concepts like 'Pravasi Grama Sabha' for the welfare of expatriates, and providing loans to those with low CIBIL scores through Kerala Bank. The fact that any expatriate will have the facility to register an FIR directly at the newly established Norka Police Station will also help ensure the safety of those returning.