Overseas nurse jobs face glitches

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is uncertainty over the  job opportunities to 50 nurses in Kuwait with attractive pay packages. While the foreign employer blames it on the lackadaisical attitude of NORKA-Roots, the state government agency alleges that the foreign employer has not yet met the mandatory requirements. It is said to be the  first demand for  nurses being received in the last one-and-a-half years after the centre restricted overseas recruitment of nurses through government agencies from last May.

Kuwait General Trading Company has sought to  recruit  50 nurses with a monthly salary of 540 Kuwaiti Dinars (about Rs 1.2 lakh) at a hospital under the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). The demand letter processed through e-migrant was formally sent to NORAK Roots on September 21. Though the representatives of the firm came down to Bangalore to conduct the interview, NORKA-Roots was yet to make the arrangements.

“We have come with a panel of doctors to conduct the interview. But since NORKA-Roots is yet to make any arrangements for the interview, there is pressure on us to approach agencies in other states like UP,” a member in the Kuwait delegation told DC. However, NORKA secretary Usha Titus, who is also holding charge of NORKA-Roots chief executive officer, said that the Kuwaiti firm sent the demand letter only two days backy.

They had not yet signed the agreement with NORKA-Roots for the recruitment or even sent the power of attorney for recruitment given by the employer. Information regarding malpractices in nursing recruitment could be passed on  to NORKA-Roots or state Vigilance. Complaints could  also be given over phone numbers 0471-2770500 or 18004253939 or by  e-mail mail@norkaroots.net.