DUBAI : Overseas Development and Employment Promotion Consultants (ODEPC), a Government of Kerala initiative functioning under the State Labour Department, has announced a range of recruitment programmes for skilled professionals from Kerala for finding placements in the Middle East, Europe and other parts of the world.
A delegation of the Kerala Government’s foreign recruitment body, led by V. Sivankutty, Honorable Minister for General Education & Labour of the State, is currently visiting the UAE rolling out multiple recruitment programmes and new plans for Keralites in overseas countries. More professionals including doctors, nurses, and skilled jobseekers will be recruited in countries in the Gulf, and Europe for the coming years, amid concerns about staff shortages with the economic boom.
Addressing the media in Dubai, Minister V. Sivankutty stated that ODEPC is committed to providing Keralite professionals with rewarding international careers. This aligns with our vision to empower skilled individuals with global opportunities. “The body has expanded its reach beyond the Gulf countries successfully venturing into European nations like the UK, Germany, Belgium, Uzbekistan, and other countries.”
“ODEPC supports Keralite medical professionals to find placements easily in foreign countries in the wake of job opportunities set to increase worldwide in the coming years, especially post-COVID. Thousands of graduates in medical, nursing, and other specialized areas qualify every year in Kerala looking for new vacancies being created in the Gulf, and European countries in the coming years,” he said.
Sharing insights into ODEPC’s two remarkable projects, namely “Aurora” and “LELI,” its Chairman Adv KP Anilkumar, said, “The “Aurora” project, launched in 2021, has successfully placed 59 nurses in Belgium, ensuring their protection from exploitation. The “LELI” initiative, which provides comprehensive support including Dutch language training, accommodation, and stipends, will send its first batch of 50 nurses to major hospitals in Belgium by the months of April and May in 2024.”
“Additionally, ODEPC’s collaboration with the German Government agency DEFA has led to the “Work-in Health, Germany” program. This project offers free recruitment services, including German language training, attestation, translation, visa assistance, and stipends. Over 100 candidates are set to travel to Germany in the current fiscal year, with another batch of 300 candidates commencing training in September 2023,” he added.
Mr. Anoop K Achuthan, Managing Director of ODEPC, said, “ODEPC’s training division, established in 2019, plays a pivotal role in enabling nurses to attain country-specific qualifications. Offering training in IELTS, OET, German, and Dutch languages, ODEPC ensures candidates are well-prepared for their overseas endeavors. Our commitment to 100 per cent job placement for those completing language courses demonstrates our dedication to empowering professionals with the necessary skills.”
“ODEPC also runs a travel division, approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), aimed to assist candidates traveling abroad seeking job opportunities. The division provides reliable ticket reservation, guidance on VISA formalities, travel regulations, and ensures a seamless transition for overseas professionals. Notably, during the pandemic, the travel division was instrumental in repatriating students from Ukraine on behalf of the Government,” he added.
Elaborating about its tours and study abroad divisions, Mr. Achuthan said, “ODEPC’s tour division has been arranging domestic and international tour packages since 2018, offering unforgettable travel experiences for the public. In alignment with the Government’s vision, ODEPC’s study abroad division aids Indian students in pursuing international degrees from renowned universities. The division simplifies the application process, provides language training, and assists with visa documentation, enhancing the educational journey for aspiring students.”
The Minister further highlighted ODEPC’s significant role in recruiting doctors, nurses, and other para-medical professionals for Government organizations in overseas countries. Notably, ODEPC’s collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has resulted in over 200 nurses being recruited annually. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) Trust Hospitals have also benefited from ODEPC’s services, with more than 700 candidates placed in various NHS trusts over the last four years.
According to him, the number of candidates going abroad to find work has been increasing in recent years. “In order to leverage this, several unrecognised agencies make recruitments but leave the candidates in the lurch. Meanwhile, the candidates who go through ODEPC are made sure of safety and credibility, in addition to the government’s support and care,” he remarked.
“ODEPC’s commitment to excellence and its innovative initiatives are paving the way for professionals to explore global opportunities. We are proud to collaborate with the overseas employment body of Kerala Govt, a torchbearer of our skilled workforce on the international stage,” concluded the honourable Minister V. Sivankutty.
The delegation visited WeOne (previously known as World Security) headquarters at Jebal Ali Freezone (JAFZA) on Monday and held discussions with its COO Mr. Ayoub Al Mulla, Director of Corporate Services Mr. Ibrahim Al Janahi, Director of Finance & Business Development Mr. Chelakara Ramakrishnan, and Head of Security Mr. Akhilesh Nair on the progress of recruiting 400 security guards from Kerala, and visited the workplaces and accommodations of the first batch of employees, who recently arrived in Dubai, and the second batch will arrive on September 7, 2023.
The delegation has also visited companies like Transworld, and hospitals like Canadian Specialist Hospital and Zulekha Hospital in Dubai for collaboration in providing trained human resources. The Kerala minister also interacted with doctors, nurses, paramedical, and other healthcare professionals from the State in order to study their wellbeing and work-related challenges.
