NORKA ROOTS is a public sector undertaking under the Department. The Department has no Directorate, instead NORKA ROOTS implements the welfare schemes for the Government. In addition NORKA ROOTS is licensed by Protector General of Emigrants as a licensed recruiting agency. NORKA coordinates efforts for remedial action on threats to the lives and property of those who are left at home, for tracing missing persons abroad, for obtaining compensation from sponsors for taking action on cheating by recruiting agents and other such grievances of Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs). It provides assistance to evacuate NRKs from strife torn areas and to transport them to their home towns.
According to the Kerala Migration Survey, there are 22 Lakh migrant workers from Kerala, 90% are in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. On 6th December 1996, Government of Kerala launched the Department of Non Resident Keralite's Affairs (NORKA) to redress the grievances of non resident Keralites both in India and abroad and to have a sustainable partnership with them. NORKA is the first Department of its kind in India.NORKA attestation centres in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode provide attestation facilities of educational qualification documents.
NORKA, a Government of Kerala Enterprise, and Minority Welfare Development Corporation of Kerala jointly introduced a new loan scheme for return emigrants.
Loans up to Rs 30 Lakh for Expatriate Ventures
In the wake of the Covid crisis, NORKA Rehabilitation Project for Returning Expatriates. You can start your own businesses and institutions. The decision has been taken to sanction emergency loans of up to Rs 30 lakh through Norka Roots. The NORKA Department Project for Returned Emigrants (NDEPREM) awaits expats. Capital subsidy and interest subsidy up to a maximum of Rs. 30 lakhs. Lend to various sustainable entrepreneurial models.
Who will get the help
The scheme is aimed at expatriates who have returned home permanently after working abroad for at least two years. The company, trust and society formed by them can also apply for the loan. 15% subsidy will be given. Up to a maximum of Rs 3 lakh. Those who pay the interest on time will also get an interest subsidy of 3% for the first four years. Loans are disbursed through over 6,000 branches of 16 banks.
Key features
NORKA ROOTS have tied up with the State Bank of India, South Indian Bank, Union Bank,Federal Bank, Syndicate Bank, Bank of Baroda, Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation, Kerala State Cooperative Agricultural & Rural Development Bank and Kerala State Pravasi Welfare Development Co-operative Society Limited (Pravasis Ltd.)
Seed capital funding of upto 30 lakhs is available under the scheme.
Banks will sanction loans for modest enterprises as per the business interest and the terms and conditions of the bank
For prompt repayment, 15% subsidy on capital and 3% rebate on interest of loan are offered for the first 4 years.
In case of default, the benefit can be availed after clearing off the pendency.
NORKA ROOTS also conduct mentoring camps to boost the confidence of the NRKs
Who can apply for NDPREM?
The applicant should have not less than 2 years of work experience abroad.
Societies, trusts, companies formed by a group of returnees are also eligible to apply
15% subsidy on capital and 3% rebate on interest of loan are offered.
Loans available for MSMEs, agricultural, industries, merchant establishments, services etc.
Documents needed to apply
Project report in PDF format
Copies of Passport & Visa page IN PDF
Photograph in Jpg/ Png format
