In a state like Kerala, where lakhs of people travel abroad in search of employment and opportunities, the government has taken a remarkable step to safeguard their welfare. Through the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) department, various schemes and services like NORKA ID Card, Pravasi Insurance, and Pravasi Pension are being offered to support and empower the Malayali expatriate community. These initiatives are not just about assistance but a way to connect Keralites abroad with their home state.
What is the NORKA ID Card?
The NORKA Roots Identity Card is an official identity card issued by the Government of Kerala for Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs). It serves as a valid identity proof and gives access to multiple welfare and rehabilitation schemes for Keralites living abroad or outside Kerala.
The card helps the Kerala Government track and support its non-resident population efficiently, especially in emergencies or while availing services.
Benefits of NORKA ID Card
- Valid identification as a registered Non-Resident Keralite
- Access to government welfare schemes like Pravasi Insurance, Pravasi Pension, Skill Development Programs, Rehabilitation Support
- Priority in NORKA job portal and recruitment programs
- Support during repatriation in emergencies
- Helps in availing financial support for return migration or accidental death
Eligibility for NORKA ID Card
To apply for a NORKA ID Card, the applicant must fulfill the following conditions:
- Must be a Kerala native
- Must be residing abroad (Gulf countries or other countries) or in another Indian state for at least 6 months
- Age: 18 years or above
- Should have a valid Indian passport (for international migrants)
Documents Required for NORKA ID Card
When applying online, keep scanned copies of these documents ready:
- Recent passport-sized photograph (White background, JPEG format)
- Passport (if abroad) โ First and last page
- Visa/Work Permit/Residence Permit
- Aadhaar Card or any valid Kerala address proof
- Valid Email ID and Mobile Number
How to Apply for NORKA ID Card Online โ Step-by-Step
Follow these easy steps:
๐ Step 1: Visit the Official NORKA Website
Go to the NORKA Roots official portal:
๐ https://norkaroots.org
๐ Step 2: Register for a New Account
- Click on โRegisterโ
- Fill in your Name, Mobile number, Email ID, and create a password
- Verify your mobile number using OTP
๐ค Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
- After login, click on โApply for ID Cardโ
- Fill personal details like Name, DOB, Address, Country of work, and Duration of stay
- Upload your photo and document scans
๐ณ Step 4: Pay Application Fee
- Fee: Rs. 315 (may vary slightly depending on the currency rate if paying internationally)
- Pay using Debit/Credit card, Net banking, or UPI
๐ Step 5: Submit and Download Acknowledgment
- Review and submit the application
- Take a printout or download the acknowledgment
- Youโll receive updates via SMS/email once your ID card is ready
โณ Step 6: Track Your Application
Use the โTrack Applicationโ feature on the portal to check status.
What is Pravasi Insurance?
The Pravasi Insurance Scheme is a welfare initiative by NORKA offering accidental death and medical insurance coverage to NRKs. It provides financial support to the family in case of unfortunate events like accidental death, permanent disability, or hospitalization abroad.
Eligibility for Pravasi Insurance
- Must be a registered NORKA ID cardholder
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 60 years
- Must be living abroad or outside Kerala for at least 6 months
- Must not be a taxpayer in Kerala
Pravasi Insurance Coverage
- Accidental Death: Up to Rs. 10 lakhs
- Permanent Disability: Up to Rs. 5 lakhs
- Hospitalization (abroad): Limited coverage
- Emergency repatriation: Included in special cases
- One-time financial support for critical illness: Based on conditions
Documents Required for Pravasi Insurance
- NORKA ID Card
- Passport and Visa Copy
- Work Permit/Employment Proof
- Recent Photograph
- Medical reports (for illness claim)
- Aadhaar Card
How to Apply for Pravasi Insurance Online
- Visit: https://norkaroots.org
- Log in using your NORKA ID credentials
- Go to Insurance Services
- Select Apply for Pravasi Insurance
- Fill in the form with personal and employment details
- Upload scanned documents
- Pay the premium (โน275 or โน315 depending on the plan)
- Submit and download confirmation
๐งพ Validity: The policy is generally valid for 2 years
Pravasi Pension Scheme โ An Overview
The Pravasi Pension Scheme by Kerala Government is aimed at helping aged NRKs who have returned home or those still abroad with no financial support post retirement.
Key Features
- Monthly pension of Rs. 2000+
- Applicable even to NRKs returning home permanently
- Continuation benefit upon reaching 60 years of age
- Contributions required monthly or lump sum (min โน100/month)
Eligibility for Pravasi Pension
- Must be a Kerala-origin person
- Must be working/living abroad or outside Kerala for at least 2 years
- Age: Between 19 to 60 years
- Should have valid NORKA ID
- Must contribute to the pension fund regularly
- Upon reaching age 60, continuous contributions for 5 years are required to start receiving pension
Required Documents for Pravasi Pension Scheme
- NORKA ID Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport (if applicable)
- Work Permit/Proof of Employment
- Bank Account details (for pension credit)
- Passport-size photo
How to Apply for Pravasi Pension Online
- Visit: https://norkaroots.org
- Login with your account
- Navigate to Pension Services
- Select โApply for Pravasi Pensionโ
- Fill all personal and employment details
- Upload scanned documents
- Choose your contribution amount
- Make payment (monthly or yearly)
- Submit the application and download receipt
How the Pension is Paid
- Pension starts after the applicant turns 60 years old
- Amount is transferred directly to your bank account in India
- Must continue contributions until the age of 60
- In case of non-contribution, scheme may lapse (subject to grace period rules)
๐ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
โ Is NORKA ID mandatory?
Yes, for Pravasi schemes like insurance and pension, having a NORKA ID is mandatory.
โ Can I apply from abroad?
Yes, you can apply completely online from any country.
โ What if I lose my NORKA ID card?
You can request for a duplicate ID online through the NORKA portal.
โ How long is the NORKA ID valid?
Typically valid for 3 years, after which you need to renew it.
โ Can Gulf NRKs apply?
Yes, NRKs living in GCC countries (UAE, Saudi, Oman, etc.) are eligible.
NORKA Mobile App โ Apply On-the-Go
You can also download the official NORKA ROOTS Mobile App from Google Play Store and Apple App Store to:
- Apply for ID card
- Check status
- Apply for pension/insurance
- Receive updates
Official Links
- ๐ NORKA Official Website: https://norkaroots.org
- ๐ฑ Mobile App (Android): NORKA ROOTS โ Google Play
- ๐ User Manual & Helpdesk: Available on the NORKA site
- โ๏ธ Helpline Number: +91-471-2770500 / 1800-425-3939 (Toll Free)
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