Thiruvananthapuram: Recruitment of the first batch of 38 nurses by NORKA-Roots has marked the end of their massive exploitation over the years, thanks to the restrictions imposed by the centre on recruitment - mainly to the Gulf countries.
While private recruiting agencies have been charging up to Rs 20 lakh from overseas nursing job aspirants, the government agency levied no service charge. Despite the initial teething troubles, the recruitment process seems to be falling on track as more hospitals are now turning up for recruitment through the new channel. The fresh system has also upset the recruiting agents.
"Obviously, the centre's decision to eliminate recruitment of nurses to the countries to which emigration clearance is required (mostly Gulf states) is a rude shock to the hundreds of recruiting agents who had been thriving on the sector over these years," said a Kottayam-based recruiting agent who preferred not to be quoted.
To by-pass the fresh restrictions, some of the recruiting agents were allegedly taking nurses abroad using visit visas.
"But the fresh cracking of a major nursing recruitment fraud and reports of fresh recruitment process have made the job seekers worried. Hence many are opting to wait for recruitment through NORKA-Roots or Overseas Development and Employment Promotion Council," said the recruiting agent.
Apart from eliminating the collection of massive service charges, the fresh system of recruitment through the eMigrate portal of the centre also ensures a better-working condition for nurses.
"Over these years, hundreds of nurses were cheated by collecting huge amounts as service charges and not paying the assured wages by the foreign employer. In eMigrate, the foreign employers have to give undertaking on wages and working conditions," NORKA sources pointed out.
Apart from the 38 already went to UAE, the recruitment of about 100 other candidates to various countries was also progressing.
