THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala government has said Non Resident Keralites (NRKs) can’t be considered as guest workers. They can’t be given protection and benefits specified by the Supreme Court for guest workers or migrant labourers.

The government’s stand is clarified in the order issued by NORKA principal secretary. The Supreme Court’s instruction was to provide free travel and free quarantine for guest workers.

The high court had directed the State government to find out whether expats can be considered as guest workers.

It was after this NORKA secretary issued the order in reply to the high court’s instruction.