Thousands of Indian workers return from Gulf countries each year, either due to job losses, health concerns, or family responsibilities. Recognizing the economic and emotional challenges faced by these returnees, the Government of India and some progressive state governments have launched financial assistance schemes – including programs offering up to ₹2 lakh in support. This article explains everything you need to know about the available ₹2 lakh assistance for Gulf returnees, eligibility, application process, and more.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Indians Return from the Gulf
- Central Government Schemes
- Kerala’s Pravasi Bhadratha – PEARL
- Kerala’s Pravasi Bhadratha – MEGA
- NDPREM – Norka Department Project for Returned Emigrants
- Insurance Scheme – Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana
- Ex-Gratia Payments for Deceased Gulf Workers
- How to Apply for Assistance
- Required Documents
- Success Stories of Returnees
- State-wise Initiatives for Gulf Returnees
- Challenges Faced by Returnees
- What More Can the Government Do?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Introduction
Indians working in Gulf countries significantly contribute to India's economy through remittances and international relations. However, due to global changes, job cuts, and other external factors, many of these workers are forced to return home. In recognition of their service and the difficulties faced upon return, various government schemes, especially those by Kerala and central welfare programs, offer financial assistance – some providing up to ₹2 lakh.
Why Indians Return from the Gulf
- Loss of employment due to economic downturns or company shutdowns
- Stringent immigration policies in Gulf countries
- Abuse or exploitation by employers
- Desire to settle back with family in India
- Retirement or end of contract period
- Health-related concerns
Central Government Schemes
While the central government does not have a universal ₹2 lakh scheme, several targeted welfare measures exist:
- Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY): Insurance cover of ₹10 lakh for accidental death/permanent disability.
- Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF): Assists with repatriation, legal support, and emergencies abroad.
- Ex-Gratia Payments: ₹2 lakh was provided to families of deceased Indians in events like the Kuwait building fire (2024).
Kerala’s Pravasi Bhadratha – PEARL
This is a state-funded program designed specifically for Gulf returnees. Features include:
- Interest-free loans of up to ₹2 lakh
- Meant for individual or group-based income-generating projects
- Targeted at low-income returnees from Gulf countries
- Loan repayment tenure is flexible with possible subsidies
Kerala’s Pravasi Bhadratha – MEGA
This scheme is for larger enterprises initiated by returnees:
- Loan amount from ₹25 lakh to ₹2 crore
- Up to 15% capital subsidy with an upper limit of ₹20 lakh
- Interest subsidy for 4 years
- Business mentoring support is available
NDPREM – Norka Department Project for Returned Emigrants
This flagship program aims to encourage entrepreneurial activities among returnees. Features:
- Financial assistance up to ₹50 lakh with subsidies
- Entrepreneurship development training
- Tie-up with cooperative banks and scheduled banks for funding
Insurance Scheme – Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana
Mandatory for ECR passport holders, this scheme covers:
- ₹10 lakh for accidental death or disability
- Hospitalization expenses
- Repatriation cost of mortal remains
- Maternity benefits to women workers
Ex-Gratia Payments for Deceased Gulf Workers
In exceptional cases like the Mangaf Kuwait fire in 2024, the Indian government provided ₹2 lakh to the families of each deceased Indian. Though not regular policy, such measures reflect humanitarian support.
How to Apply for Assistance
- Visit the official website of your state’s NRI or Non-Resident Welfare Department (e.g., norkaroots.org for Kerala)
- Register your details as a Gulf returnee
- Fill out the application for the scheme (PEARL/MEGA/NDPREM)
- Submit required documents
- Undergo verification and attend interviews if required
- Loan or grant disbursed post-approval
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Proof of employment in Gulf country (visa copy, work permit, employer certificate)
- Proof of return to India
- Bank account details
- ID and Address proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID)
- Business/project plan (for loan schemes)
Success Stories of Returnees
Many returnees have successfully used government schemes to start:
- Bakery and catering units
- Mobile repair shops
- Farming and agri-business ventures
- Textile trading and tailoring businesses
- Online freelancing and IT startups
State-wise Initiatives for Gulf Returnees
- Telangana: Offers ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh to families of deceased workers
- Punjab: Skill development and job placement support for returnees
- Tamil Nadu: Returnee helpline and repatriation support via Tamil Nadu NRI Welfare Board
Challenges Faced by Returnees
- Reintegration into Indian job market
- Financial instability and family liabilities
- Lack of awareness about government schemes
- Social stigma or depression due to loss of status
- Delays in government processing of loans or support
What More Can the Government Do?
- Create a national portal for Gulf returnees registration
- Ensure timely disbursal of financial assistance
- Provide mandatory counseling and job fairs for returnees
- Enhance collaboration with private sector for placement
- Expand the ₹2 lakh assistance pan-India beyond Kerala
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is ₹2 lakh assistance available to all Gulf returnees?
No. ₹2 lakh direct assistance is offered mainly by the Kerala government under PEARL and ex-gratia payments in specific national tragedies.
Q2. Can I apply for the PEARL scheme if I returned 3 years ago?
Most schemes require recent returnees (within 1 or 2 years), but you can contact the NORKA office for your specific case.
Q3. Is this ₹2 lakh a grant or a loan?
PEARL scheme offers it as an interest-free loan. Ex-gratia (like from PM Relief Fund) is a one-time grant.
Q4. Are NRIs from countries other than the Gulf eligible?
Most schemes focus on Gulf countries, but similar programs may be available for returnees from other regions.
Q5. Is there an online application portal?
Yes. For Kerala, visit: https://norkaroots.org
Conclusion
The Indian government, particularly through states like Kerala, has stepped up to support Gulf returnees with schemes like PEARL, MEGA, and NDPREM – offering up to ₹2 lakh in assistance. However, many returnees remain unaware of these schemes. With improved outreach and timely implementation, such initiatives can play a key role in helping millions of Indians rebuild their lives after returning from abroad. If you're a Gulf returnee, take the first step today by registering with your state NRI welfare board and applying for the support you deserve.
No comments:
Post a Comment