NORKA ID Card, Pravasi Insurance, Pravasi Pension | APPLY ONLINE PRAVASI WELFARE BOARD

 The Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) Department has been at the forefront of providing support and welfare schemes for Malayali expatriates living abroad. With services like the NORKA ID Card, Pravasi Insurance, and Pravasi Pension, the Pravasi Welfare Board is ensuring that expatriates have the necessary tools and support to secure their future. Below, we will take an in-depth look at these services, how to apply for them, and their benefits.

What is the NORKA ID Card?

The NORKA ID Card is a government-issued identification card specifically for Keralites living outside India. It helps the state government of Kerala keep track of the expatriates and ensure that they have access to various welfare schemes and services offered by the NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs) department. This card not only serves as an identity document but also provides access to several other benefits and schemes targeted at expatriates.

Benefits of NORKA ID Card

• Access to Welfare Schemes: NORKA offers several welfare schemes for expatriates, such as insurance, pension, and education grants. Possessing this ID card enables individuals to apply for these schemes easily.
• Travel Assistance: In case of emergencies, NORKA provides financial support for repatriation. The NORKA ID Card holders are eligible for assistance if they are stranded abroad due to job losses, health issues, or other crises.
• Priority Services: Holders of the NORKA ID Card are often given priority when it comes to services offered by the Kerala government, ensuring smoother processing of any queries or applications they may have.

How to Apply for NORKA ID Card?

Applying for the NORKA ID Card is a simple and convenient process. Here's how:

1. Visit the NORKA Roots Website: To begin the application process, visit the official NORKA Roots website.
2. Register: If you're a first-time applicant, you'll need to create an account using a valid email address and phone number.
3. Fill in Your Details: Complete the online application form by providing your personal details, including your passport number, current country of residence, and other required information.
4. Upload Required Documents: You'll be asked to upload scanned copies of your passport, visa, and a passport-sized photograph.
5. Pay the Application Fee: A nominal fee is required for processing your NORKA ID Card application. Payments can be made online using a variety of methods, such as credit cards, net banking, or UPI.
6. Receive Your ID Card: After your application is approved, you will receive your NORKA ID Card either by post or by collecting it from a NORKA office.

Pravasi Insurance

The Pravasi Insurance scheme is another essential service provided by the Pravasi Welfare Board. It ensures that expatriates and their families are financially protected in the event of emergencies or unexpected situations while abroad. The insurance coverage offered is comprehensive and is tailored to meet the unique needs of non-resident Keralites (NRKs).

Key Features of Pravasi Insurance

• Accidental Death Coverage: In the unfortunate event of accidental death, the family of the insured person will receive a lump sum payout to help cover financial burdens.
• Medical Treatment Benefits: The scheme covers the cost of medical treatments for serious injuries or illnesses that occur while working or living abroad.
• Repatriation of Mortal Remains: If a policyholder dies abroad, the insurance will cover the cost of transporting the body back to Kerala, offering much-needed financial relief to grieving families.
• Job Loss Protection: In case of involuntary job loss, the insurance provides financial assistance to help individuals tide over the period until they can secure another job.
• Scholarships for Children: Some policies offer scholarships or educational grants for the children of the insured, helping ease the burden of education costs.

How to Apply for Pravasi Insurance?

Applying for Pravasi Insurance through NORKA is straightforward. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Log into the NORKA Website: Start by visiting the NORKA Roots website and logging in with your credentials.
2. Select Insurance Scheme: Navigate to the Pravasi Insurance section and choose the scheme that best fits your needs.
3. Complete the Application: Fill in the required details, including information about your occupation, residence abroad, and personal data.
4. Submit the Documents: Submit scanned copies of your passport, NORKA ID, and any other documents required for verification.
5. Make the Payment: You will need to pay the premium associated with the insurance scheme you choose. Payments can be made easily online.
6. Receive Confirmation: Once your application and payment are processed, you will receive an email confirmation, and your Pravasi Insurance coverage will be activated.

Pravasi Pension

The Pravasi Pension Scheme was introduced by the Pravasi Welfare Board to provide a secure financial future for expatriates once they retire. This pension scheme is particularly beneficial for those who may not have had access to regular pension plans due to their overseas work.

Benefits of Pravasi Pension Scheme

• Monthly Pension: Once you reach the retirement age, you will receive a monthly pension payout, ensuring a steady income for the rest of your life.
• Flexible Contributions: You can choose how much to contribute to your pension fund on a regular basis, depending on your financial situation.
• Family Pension: In case of the death of the pensioner, the family members will continue to receive a portion of the pension, ensuring that dependents are financially secure.
• Special Pension for Returnees: Expatriates who have returned to Kerala and wish to continue contributing to the pension scheme are also eligible for benefits, allowing them to build a retirement corpus even after returning home.

How to Apply for Pravasi Pension?

To apply for the Pravasi Pension Scheme, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the NORKA Website: Begin by visiting the NORKA Roots official website and logging in with your registered credentials.
2. Select the Pension Scheme: Navigate to the Pravasi Pension section, where you can select the scheme that best fits your needs.
3. Complete the Application: Fill in the required personal and financial information, such as your NORKA ID number, income details, and contribution preferences.
4. Submit Documents: Upload relevant documents such as your NORKA ID, proof of income, and other required details.
5. Set up Contributions: Choose the amount and frequency of your contributions, which can be made through online payment modes.
6. Receive Pension: Once you’ve met the eligibility criteria and reach the retirement age, you will start receiving monthly pension payments directly into your bank account.

Conclusion

The Pravasi Welfare Board has implemented crucial schemes like the NORKA ID Card, Pravasi Insurance, and Pravasi Pension to ensure that expatriates from Kerala are well-protected, both financially and socially. These schemes are designed to offer peace of mind to NRKs, knowing that they have access to government-backed support systems whether they are still abroad or have returned to Kerala.