RIYADH, 21 June 2005 — The southern Indian state of Kerala plans to issue special identity cards to its two million overseas workers. The cards will entitle them to VIP services from government departments. Half the state’s non-resident workers are in the Kingdom.
“This is a new service we are introducing from August to offer better services to our workers abroad, ” M.M.Hassan, chairman of Non-Resident Keralites Department (Norka) told newsmen yesterday. Jiji Thomsun, principal secretary of Norka and V.V. Narayan, first secretary of labor, were also present at the briefing.
Hassan said the smart card was being issued in recognition of the services of overseas workers who bring large amounts of foreign exchange to the state. He added that it was the duty of the state to offer them whatever services they required when they were at home.
“The card which be issued on payment of a nominal sum will help its holders to avail themselves of a wide range of services on a priority basis in government institutions.”
Norka has established three attestation centers in Trivandum, Calicut and Trichur to certify the documents of overseas workers.
