UNDP study explores reemployment options for Non Resident Keralites

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The United Nations Development Programme - India has commenced a comprehensive study to find solutions for reemployment of return migrants in the state. The study aims at strengthening the skill development programmes for returnees and explore redeployment opportunities through an institutional framework. It also proposed setting up of model career centres. According to a concept note of the study, the number of non-residents who returned had surged to about 1.2 million in 2014. It was 52 percent of the total number of emigrants in that year.

Even as NORKA initiated various steps for employment of returnees, unemployment among them was 7.2 percent, which was three times higher than the national average of 2.3 percent. NORKA secretary Ms Usha Titus said that the government was expecting the study report at the earliest, even within a month. "Based on the report, we would initiate further steps," she said.

The objectives of the study are to identify solutions to reemploy migrants, frame best approaches for their reintegration into the global workforce and improve NORKA's institutional capacity to meet the emerging global challenges. The UNDP team will give suggestions on improving the re-skilling and re-training systems. Focus will be on developing appropriate measures to address skill shortages and the gap in national and international job market, understand job trends and identify skills required to tap opportunities.

Suggestions on skill development programme in association with professional organisations, entrepreneurship development and training to emigrants would also be offered. It is also proposed to set up a model career centre that would provide information on types of new skills required by employers, test aptitude and aspirations of youth and give advice on opportunities. A mobile app to provide relevant information has also been proposed.