'Illegal' nursing agencies on the prowl in Kerala

Agencies

Despite the Centre's order that recruitment of nurses to Gulf countries could be done through only government-run organisations, private agencies are eyeing to dupe nurses who are on the lookout for overseas jobs.

As per an order issued by the Union Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, private agencies are allowed to recruit nurses to foreign countries till April 30 only. Thereafter, the recruitments to Gulf countries, except Saudi Arabia, will be conducted by state-run Norka-Roots .

However, an agency would be holding an interview on Sunday for recruiting nurses to government hospitals in Kuwait. Agencies demand commissions up to Rs. 25 lakh. As it is impossible to finish the appointment procedures within four days, it is clear that the agency's aim is to swindle money from the candidates.

The agencies claim that they have not received the order of the Centre regarding restriction of recruitment.

Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs deputy secretary Kshitij Mohan had sent a letter to Protector of Emigrants on April 20 asking to cancel any scheduled interviews. Kerala Diaspora Minister K.C. Joseph has urged nurses not to fall into the traps set up by the agencies. He said that action will be taken against the agencies that violate the government order.

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